CorD Magazine, September 2018 issue & The Best Hotels issue

H.E. Marco Antonio García Blanco

NEVER BE A COPY OF YOUR ROLE MODELS

Dejan Ilić Ph.D.

CEO of a.d. ARRI Group, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Innovation Fund of Serbia, scientist, entrepreneur

Paco Borao

President of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races, AIMS

www.cordmagazine.com

Ambassador of Mexico to Serbia

UNSPORTSMAN LIKE CONDUCT THWARTS BELGRADE MARATHON

SEP2018/ ISSUE NO. 167

SUPPORT BASED ON CONSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLES

interviews opinions new comments events COMMENT

U.S. And Chinese Tech MUST THRIVE TOGETHER IVAN MEDENICA, BITEF ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND SELECTOR

Living In A Dangerous World

Exclusive

CARLOS MOEDAS

783002 771451 9

Europe Must Become The Global Innovation Powerhouse

ISSN1451-7833

EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER FOR RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND INNOVATION

CONTENTS

COMMENT

U.S. AND CHINESE TECH MUST THRIVE TOGETHER For years, Chinese entrepreneurs would speak bashfully about the Chinese technology ecosystem, saying they just wanted to learn

CONDUCT THWARTS BELGRADE MARATHON

08 EUROPE MUST BECOME THE GLOBAL INNOVATION POWERHOUSE

CARLOS MOEDAS European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation

@CORDMAGAZINE

CORD MAGAZINE

DESIGNER: Jasmina Laković j.lakovic@aim.rs CONTRIBUTORS: Rob Dugdale, Maja Vukadinović, Mirjana Jovanović, Miša Brkić,

DEJAN ILIĆ PH.D. CEO of a.d. ARRI Group, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Innovation Fund of Serbia, Scientist, Entrepreneur

H.E. MARCO ANTONIO GARCÍA BLANCO Ambassador of Mexico to Serbia

27 BUSINESS DIALOGUE 43 CULTURE IS A FINITE RESOURCE

RADOSLAV ZELENOVIĆ Director of The Audio-visual Archive and the SANU Centre for Digitisation

20 LIVING IN A DANGEROUS WORLD

44 MODEST YET IMPRESSIVE

24 UNSPORTSMANLIKE

EDITORIAL MANAGER: Neda Lukić n.lukic@aim.rs PHOTOS: Zoran Petrović

51 FROM SCRATCH TO BUSINESS EMPIRES

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Maja Vidaković m.vidakovic@aim.rs

60 EFFICIENT USE OF POWER AND BODY BALANCE

62 AUTUMN IS COMING

48 FACES AND PLACES

PROJECT MANAGERS: Biljana Dević, b.devic@aim.rs Nataša Trifunović, n.trifunovic@aim.rs Vesna Vukajlović, v.vukajlovic@aim.rs Mihajlo Čučković, m.cuckovic@aim.rs

58 CHILL OUT

TURKISH OIL WRESTLING

AFRICAN ART BOOM

IVAN MEDENICA BITEF Artistic Director and Selector

Radmila Stanković, Steve MacKenzie, Zorica Todorović Mirković, Sonja Ćirić EDITOR: Ana Novčić a.novcic@aim.rs a.novcic@cordmagazine.com

PACO BORAO President of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races, AIMS

52 NEVER BE A COPY OF YOUR ROLE MODELS

14 SUPPORT BASED ON CONSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLES

18 GLOBAL DIARY @CORD_MAGAZINE

EVAN J. ZIMMERMAN AND YING YING LI

FASHION

64 CULTURE CALENDAR 66 AFTER WORK

GENERAL MANAGER: Ivan Novčić i.novcic@aim.rs PRINTING: Rotografika d.o.o.

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September

Comment

U.S. And Chinese Tech Must Thrive Together

For years, Chinese entrepreneurs would speak bashfully about the Chinese technology ecosystem, saying they just wanted to learn EVAN J. ZIMMERMAN AND YING YING LI

T

hen, in 2014, Alibaba’s initial public offering made headlines globally. In 2016, Didi Chuxing shocked the world by beating back Uber in China.

Nonetheless, these were isolated events, so the general unassuming narrative persisted. However, 2018 has been Chinese tech’s coming out party.

On Forbes’s 2018 Midas List of companies, six of the top 10 are Chinese, including the top spot.

This year, nine of the largest 20 internet companies globally by market cap have been Chinese, according to Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers partner Mary Meeker’s annual report.

Companies such as Bytedance, Didi Chuxing and Meituan Dianping are valued comparably to their American peers and sometimes better, as in the case of SenseTime, now the most valuable artificial intelligence start-up in the world.

Binance, a Chinese start-up, was possibly the fastest start-up to reach unicorn status (over US$1 billion valuation) while profitable. Meanwhile, Bird, widely considered the fastest unicorn of all time, based its electric scooter-sharing business model on Ofo, a Chinese bike-sharing firm.

It’s not surprising that investors from Reid Hoffman, the co-founder of LinkedIn, to Sequoia Capital’s Mike Moritz are enthusiastic about the potential of Chinese business. According to Pitchbook, Chinese companies attain billion-dollar status 18 months quicker than their American counterparts. And the IPOs of Xiaomi and Pinduoduo mean that two of the top five tech exits this year are Chinese, with Dropbox barely

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squeaking past iQiyi to claim fifth place.

Chinese companies are now innovators that are particularly strong in artificial intelligence.

WeChat Pay and Alipay have gone a long way towards creating a cashless society, ironically in the country that invented paper currency. WeChat’s model has caught the attention of Facebook while Alibaba is about four times the gross merchandise volume of Amazon. DJI is not just a low-cost third party manufacturer but the world’s most popular drone brand. And JD.com wowed the world with videos of its mostly automated warehouses and drone deliveries.

Yet, the secret modern history of Silicon Valley and the Pearl River Delta is one of integration rather than competition. According to Deutsche Bank, the U.S. and China have a neutral trade balance when accounting for subsidiary sales, in no small part due to technology products.

China’s most successful IPOs were not in Hong Kong but New York. These companies are largely funded by American firms such as Sequoia Capital, which has had a hand in many of China’s most recent success stories, and other China-focused funds such as GGV and Tiger Global. Similarly, Chinese money has quietly entered the American tech market.

While integration is gathering speed, it is not inevitable. Both markets, left to their own devices,

According to Deutsche Bank, the U.S. and China have a neutral trade balance when accounting for subsidiary sales, in no small part due to technology products

clearly want to collaborate. Yet, as a consequence of the trade war, Chinese investment in the US has crashed 92 per cent, especially in start-ups, where previously active players like Alibaba have scaled back their presence.

While American companies are trying to integrate with Chinese companies, these projects could easily be killed, as Facebook’s recent stillborn effort shows. Scooter-sharing, for example, is powered by Xiaomi scooters – soon to be victims of the next round of tariffs. Similarly, China regularly competes with all of Europe for the title of Apple’s second-largest market and is the home of its assembly line, both of which could be put at risk.

It is key for both governments to support, rather than inhibit, this integration. In addition to tightening restrictions on overseas investment by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S., which recently killed a deal by Singaporeincorporated Broadcomm to acquire Qualcomm, the U.S. is considering unduly burdensome restrictions, such as a bill to restrict venture funds merely for having Chinese investors.

While China’s government must do more, especially on issues of intellectual property, it is taking positive steps, such as shrinking its “negative list” of sensitive industries and loosening its rules on foreign subsidiaries. They also have their own work cultures – 996, or working from 9am to 9pm, six days a week, in China and “work hard, play hard” in the U.S. – and customer preferences (federated apps, in which users can use a single sign-in to access many apps, in the U.S. and superapps, where one app encompasses most of a user’s digital life, like WeChat in China).

Technology seeks itself out. As the Chinese and American tech industries continue to evolve, they will naturally pull towards each other. Consumers, companies and investors will demand it.

Interview Exclusive CARLOS MOEDAS EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER FOR RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND INNOVATION

Digital research, innovation and a good ecosystem are the key to developing tomorrow’s digital economy and society. The Horizon 2020 Programme, Europe’s main research and innovation programme, is helping to realise the ambitions of both Europe and the Western Balkans in this new world, while striving to preserve distinct European values

Europe Must Become

The Global Innovation Powerhouse 8

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CHALLENGE

Closing the innovation gap and maintaining the lead over China will require a concerted effort to deepen Europe’s innovation potential The European Union wants to be frontrunner in digital manufacturing, genomics, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, whilst ensuring that its values – be they in terms of data protection or citizen prosperity – are taken into account in tomorrow’s world.

We spoke with Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, about efforts being exerted at the level of the EU and its member states to compete in this rapidly changing environment. Inevitably, we discussed the Horizon 2020 Programme and its achievements in boosting the EU’s capacity for innovation, efficiency and economic growth, the place of the Western Balkans within the EU’s digital agenda and various connected topics, including the ethical questions posed by the future ubiquity of AI. The timing of our conversation couldn’t have been better, with the new Horizon Europe initiative, the EU research programme for 20202027, having just been unveiled this summer as the most ambitious research and innovation programme ever.

VISION

Horizon Europe will make a real difference in the lives of citizens and society as a whole. It will equip us to thrive in the society of tomorrow EU of 27 member states is taken into account.

The new programme builds on the achievements of Horizon 2020, our current programme, which is a European success story. So, we are retaining the same basic structure and very little will change in terms of rules and procedures for participation, but we are also introducing some important new elements that have the common aim of increasing the impact of EU research and innovation funding.

One of them is the establishment of a European Innovation Council, a flagship initiative in Europe to identify high-risk, fast-moving innovations that can create entirely new markets.

COMMITMENT

Ensuring that the Western Balkans can benefit optimally from the digital transformation will require commitment and encompassing policy measures in many areas Another is launching EU-wide research and innovation missions with bold, ambitious goals and strong European added value.

We are thus delivering on this top priority for the EU, as well as equipping ourselves to thrive in the society of tomorrow. Horizon Europe will make a real difference in the lives of citizens individually and society as a whole. How will the single digital market transform the world of business and the world of work in the EU?

[According to the Directorate General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology,

Europe has sufficient scientific and research capacities to lead the next wave of breakthroughs in innovation? What are the new elements of the Horizon Europe proposal that will help to convert Europe’s global scientific leadership into innovation and entrepreneurial leadership?

Europe is a global leader in top-class research, but we can do better in terms of translating these results into innovation that boosts economic growth and job creation. The top priority, therefore, is to help Europe realise the potential it has to become the global innovation powerhouse. There is no doubt that research and innovation are crucial to Europe’s future prosperity.

The proposal for Horizon Europe, our research programme for 2020-2027, is built on that principle. Indeed, the proposed budget – totalling nearly €100 billion – clearly shows our commitment to European leadership in research and innovation.

This increase equates to as much as 50% when an

The European Union actively cooperates with industry, organisations and academic institutions in order to unleash the potential of new technologies across Europe, the Western Balkans and beyond

DG CNECT] The overall objective of our digital single market strategy is to exploit the potential of the digital revolution for the benefit of Europe’s economy and society. More specifically, we want to build on our strengths, for example in industrial production and artificial intelligence, while preserving distinct European values in the digital world, in particular as regards, for example, data protection.

Europe is strong in research, has a strong industrial base in sectors where digital is merging with manufacturing, such as automotive and

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Interview Exclusive robotics, and is home to world-class researchers and labs. Europe also has thriving start-up ecosystems, fuelled by imagination, technical and scientific excellence.

As for the impact on professional life and the labour market, automation and the everincreasing diffusion of digital technologies will increase productivity and create new job opportunities. However, there is also a challenge

we have to address: the success of introducing these technologies requires skilled people to be able to use them in all sectors of the economy.

We are therefore stepping up our efforts with training and education programmes, and with initiatives such as the Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition, in cooperation with EU member states and social partners. To what extent is the business sector ready to absorb innovations and put them into use in their daily operations? Which EU members faired best, and which were slow to adopt?

The European Commission’s recently published 2018 European Innovation Scoreboard shows that the EU’s innovation performance has increased by 5.8% since 2010. The greatest increases were in Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, while the biggest falls were recorded in Cyprus and Romania. Innovation performance has improved the most in the areas

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of broadband penetration, human resources and the attractiveness of research systems, especially through international co-publications.

Overall, the EU is catching up with key competitors like Canada, Japan and the United States; Europe’s innovation performance is expected to improve by 6% over the next two years. But closing this innovation gap and maintaining the lead over China will require a

In order to maintain and improve European competitiveness and our way of life, a joint effort is required by the public and private sectors concerted effort to deepen Europe’s innovation potential. This involves, on the one hand, increasing public R&D spending, which is currently below the 2010 level as a share of GDP. The European Commission is leading by example through Horizon 2020 and its proposal for Horizon Europe.

But EU funding alone will not suffice. To maintain and improve European competitiveness and our way of life, a joint effort is required by the public and private sectors.

How successful was the EU in translating the Horizon 2020 framework into economic growth?

The interim evaluation of Horizon 2020 in 2017 confirmed that every euro invested under the programme has brought an estimated GDP increase of between €6 and €8.5 (€400 to €600 billion by 2030).

Horizon 2020 already generates large numbers of high quality, commercially valuable patents and other intellectual property rights, so far mainly from the SME Instrument and the ERC Proofof-Concept: the interim evaluation mentioned 153 patent applications (39 awarded) and 24 trademarks awarded.

Moreover, Horizon 2020 projects already produce new knowledge, strengthen capabilities and generate a wide range of innovation outputs, including new technologies, products and services. In terms of numbers, this translates into 563 firms introducing new innovations to the market (56% SMEs), 70% of SMEs aiming at new to the market innovations; and more than half of SME Instrument Phase 2 beneficiaries having already reached the market.

The interim evaluation also highlights that Horizon 2020 projects have the potential to generate a large number of scientific breakthroughs; researchers have already contributed to major discoveries like exoplanets, the Higgs boson and gravitational waves. At least 17 Nobel Laureates received support from Horizon 2020 either prior to or after receiving their award.

Therefore, we can safely conclude that Horizon 2020 is an invaluable asset for Europe that fuels economic growth, creates the jobs of tomorrow and tackles the societal challenges of our times.

However, we can always do even better, and we will utilise the lessons learned to make Horizon 2020’s last three years even more effective, and to make Horizon Europe a fit-for-purpose successor programme. How is scientific cooperation between the EU and the Balkans, such as BioSense, creating new room for cooperation? Which other success stories would you highlight?

Science, research and innovation play an important role in integrating the region of the Western Balkans and reinforcing the EU’s renewed strategy of ‘A credible enlargement perspective for, and enhanced EU engagement with, the Western

Balkans’. In fact, the chapter on science and research (Chapter 25) has been provisionally closed with both Serbia and Montenegro.

Achieving excellence in research and innovation is a shared responsibility and needs to be addressed both at national and EU levels. The level of national investment in R&D is still well below one per cent of GDP in the region, which impedes the performance of the Western Balkans in Horizon 2020. The centres of excellence set up with the help of Horizon 2020 co-funding – such as ANTARES, a centre of excellence in ICT in agriculture, and the Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) – are attractive to the scientific community and contribute to combating the brain drain in the region.

Although funding under Horizon 2020 is very competitive and the main evaluation criteria is scientific excellence, the programme also provides targeted support for EU member states and countries associated with Horizon 2020 whose R&I performance is below the EU average. This is done through the part of Hori-

zon 2020 known as ‘Spreading Excellence and Widening Participation’, which has an overall budget of over €900 million until 2020. The Commission has proposed that this budget be doubled in Horizon Europe. How are the capacities of the Western Balkans interconnected with the EU’s vision of digital manufacturing, genomics, artificial intelligence or the Internet of Things?

[According to the DG CNECT] The European Union has high ambitions in the fields of digital manufacturing, genomics, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. The world is changing rapidly through these new developments and the European Union wants to be a frontrunner, to ensure that its values are taken into account in tomorrow’s world. A European approach to these developments will boost competitiveness and ensure trust that is based on European values.

It has to make certain that the European Union will lead on technological developments

by encouraging uptake by public and private sectors. However, these developments should also happen in an appropriate ethical and legal framework, while societies must be prepared for the changes that will happen. The European Union cooperates actively with industry, organisations and academic institutions to unleash the potential of these technologies across Europe, the Western Balkans and beyond.

Digital research, innovation and a good ecosystem are key for developing tomorrow’s digital economy and society. Together with EU member states, the Western Balkans are associated with ‘Horizon 2020’ - the main European research and innovation programme. By coupling research and innovation, Horizon 2020 is helping to achieve the ambitious agenda of both Europe and the Western Balkans in the fields of digital manufacturing, genomics, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. The ‘Research Infrastructures and e-Infrastructures’ objective, under the Excellent Science pillar of Horizon 2020, supports the further integration of the Western

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Interview Exclusive Balkans by opening national research facilities and developing e-infrastructures as part of the effort underpinning a Digital European Research Area.

The Horizon 2020 objectives of ‘Future and Emerging Technologies’ and the ‘Leadership in Enabling and Industrial Technologies’ both aim to support research in future technology areas that are able to renew the basis for European competitiveness and growth, and that can make a difference for society in the decades to come. The potential and capabilities of modern ICT systems are still growing and are fuelled exponentially by progress achieved in electronics, microsystems, networking, the ability to master increasingly complex cyber-physical systems and robots, and progress in data processing and human machine interfaces. These developments provide major opportunities for cooperation between the European Union and the Western Balkans, whilst they are also strongly supported under Horizon 2020. Where is the place of the Western Balkans, and Serbia in particular, on the ‘Stairway to Excellence’ or in smart specialisation?

Smart specialisation is a relatively new development strategy that maps the specific knowledge or expertise of a given country or region in order to concentrate research and innovation investments in these areas. The process builds on previous work to design and implement regional innovation strategies supported by the Commission in the context of cohesion policy.

The Commission adopted a Communication on ‘Strengthening Innovation in Europe’s Regions: Towards resilient, inclusive and sustainable growth at territorial level’ in July 2017, which outlines the future direction of smart specialisation strategies.

It stresses the need to work jointly at all levels, from local to European, in order to fully exploit Europe’s potential for innovation, competitiveness and growth.

The Western Balkans Steering Platform on Research and Innovation has been successful in generating interest in smart specialisation in the region. The Steering Platform has organised information sessions and exchanges of best practise on this subject, while it has also encouraged an engaged approach among stakeholders.

Most Balkan countries plan to develop a smart specialisation strategy by 2020. Serbia and Montenegro have already advanced on this and plan to complete their strategies by the end of 2018.

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The interim evaluation of Horizon 2020 in 2017 confirmed that every euro invested under the programme brings an estimated GDP increase of €6 to €8.5, which equates to €400 to €600 billion by 2030 How can the countries of the CEE and Western Balkan regions best benefit from the digitisation of their economies and societies?

[According to the DG CNECT] There is no single answer to this question, but policy measures and investments are needed in several areas to optimally benefit from the digital transformation, and to bring faster economic growth, more jobs and better services. Instant global communication and digitisation connects everybody. The power of yesterday’s supercomputers is in today’s smartphones.

Children grow up with any piece of information just a click away on a touchscreen. The digital transformation will bring changes not just to our jobs and businesses, but also to our daily lives, our security and our democracies.

This will also happen in the CEE and Western Balkan regions. The European Union sees opportunities for both regions and wants to support the digital transformation of the Western Balkan region. The European Union recently launched a Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans, together with Ministers from Western Balkans partners and the European Commission.

The Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans sets out several working areas that can help speed up digitisation of the region. Ensuring that the Western Balkans can optimally benefit from the digital transformation will require commitment and encompassing policy measures in the following areas: Lowering the cost of roaming tariffs based on a roadmap to facilitate such a goal; deploying digital broadband infrastructure; developing eGovernment, eProcurement, eHealth, & digital skills; capacity building in trust and security, and the digitalisation of industries, to ensure that all sectors benefit from digital innovations; and the adoption, implementation and enforcement of the European regulatory framework in the area of the Digital Single Market. It is often believed that the rise of digital and the AI economy will imperil the promise of the welfare state. How can the burst of innovation be used to better address social needs?

Advances in artificial intelligence present many opportunities, but they have also raised a range of complex moral questions. Through the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE), an independent advisory body of the President of the European Commission, the Commission is contributing to current efforts to find answers to the ethical, societal and legal challenges that some of the new technologies pose. Earlier this year, the group published a statement that calls for the launch of a process that would pave the way towards a common, internationally recognised ethical and legal framework for the design, production, use and governance of artificial intelligence, robotics, and ‘autonomous’ systems. The statement also proposes a set of fundamental ethical principles, based on the values laid down in the EU Treaties and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, that can guide its development. And, later this year, the group will publish its opinion on the future of work.

Interview H.E. MARCO ANTONIO GARCÍA BLANCO AMBASSADOR OF MEXICO TO SERBIA

At the start of July 2018, following elections dubbed by the media as historic, Mexico received a new president in the form of the left-centre candidate who promised to fight against inequality and corruption. The victory of Mr Andrés Manuel López Obrador, but also the changes that will follow at other levels of government, will not mean a change in Mexico’s longstanding position that the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo is unacceptable, says H.E. Marco Antonio Garcia Blanco in this interview for CorD magazine. “Our position is based on principles, not administrations,” says the ambassador, adding that these principles are defined by the Mexican Constitution. He also notes that bilateral relations between the two countries are good and reminds that capital from Mexico stands behind the biggest greenfield investment in Serbia. Your Excellency, considering that you’ve now been resident in Serbia for over two years, what are your impressions and are you satisfied with your cooperation with local partners?

My stay in Serbia has been very pleasant, although with many challenges that I have been able to overcome thanks to the good and always positive

Support Based On

Constitutional Principles Mexico’s position over Kosovo will remain the same; that is, full adherence to the United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999), which opened a political dialogue for a peaceful solution.

Mexico will respect the agreement reached as a result of such dialogue. In this context, Mexico does not recognise the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo, and does support the territorial integrity of Serbia – Marco Antonio Garcia Blanco 14

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KOSOVO

Mexico’s position over Kosovo will remain the same; that is full adherence to the United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999)

disposition of all my Serbian interlocutors, whether they be governmental, business, cultural, civil society or media related. My main objective is to contribute to invigorating, expanding and strengthening the bilateral relationship in all areas, to obtain shared benefits that increase the well-being of our peoples, all under the criteria of shared responsibility. It is up to both parties, Mexico and Serbia, to work together to cultivate the relationship and glean tangible benefits from it. Of course, there is still much to be done, but the bilateral relationship continues to register progress and, most importantly, both parties wish to continue collaborating down this path. On the other hand, I’ve been witnessing the efforts exerted by the people and government of Serbia to reach their objectives. And I am confident that they will reach them.

TRADE

In 2017 bilateral trade between Mexico and Serbia grew 19% compared to 2016, and 1,408% compared to 2010

United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999), which opened a political dialogue for a peaceful solution. Mexico will respect the agreement that will result from such dialogue. In this context, Mexico does not recognise the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo, while it does support the territorial integrity of Serbia. It is important to remember, with regard to this matter, that Mexico‘s foreign policy is guided by principles established in our Political Constitution, such as those of the self-determination of peoples; non-intervention; peaceful solutions to conflicts; proscription of the

SUBSIDIARY

Telekom Austria is the European unit of AméricaMóvil and, through its subsidiary VIP, has a presence in Serbia

threat or use of force in international relations; the legal equality of states; international cooperation for development; respect, protection and promotion of human rights and international peace and security.This gives Mexico’s foreign policy a sense of predictability and certainty. In short, the change of government in Mexico will not mean any alteration in our support for Serbia on the issue of Kosovo. How do you cooperate with the Serbian National Assembly’s group for friendship with Mexico?

You recently stated that relations between our two countries are excellent. What are the most important topics of cooperation at the political level?

Mexico and Serbia have a permanent political dialogue through high-level contacts that have been registered throughout the bilateral relationship, which this year celebrates its 72nd anniversary; through the Mechanism of Political Consultations in Matters of Common Interest, which meets periodically; through the Parliamentarian Friendship Groups that both legislative bodies have, and thanks to the multiple coincidences and cooperation that the two countries deploy in the multilateral sphere. The bilateral relationship enjoys the natural sympathy that both peoples and governments feel for one another, given the similarity of our historical challenges and aspirations for independence, peace, justice and development. Mexico has not recognised Kosovo’s unilaterally declared independence. Considering the comprehensive changes at all levels of government following July’s general elections in your country, can the new government be expected to maintain this stance?

Our position is based on principles, not administrations. In this regard, Mexico’s position over Kosovo will remain the same; that is full adherence to the

Mexico and Serbia have a permanent political dialogue through highlevel contacts that have been registered throughout the bilateral relationship, which this year celebrates its 72nd anniversary

An important component of our political dialogue is conducted in the parliamentary field. The growing importance of parliamentary diplomacy is a wellknown concept to both Mexico and Serbia, and both countries have, within their legislatives bodies, Groups of Mexican-Serbian Parliamentary Friendship, through which there are exchanges of information, viewpoints, perspectives and initiatives orientated towards a better understanding of the realities of each country and of international matters of mutual interest, with the intention of broadening the understanding of such matters and finding ways to cooperate in promoting

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Interview better solutions. As Ambassador of Mexico, I have permanent contact with the chairs of both Parliamentary Friendship Groups, in order to support them. Mexico is grateful to Serbia for the support it provided in October 2017 that allowed the Mexican candidate to win the Presidency of the Interparliamentary Union.

As President of the Interparliamentary Union, Senator Gabriela Cuevas Barrón visited Belgrade in May to participate in the Regional Seminar on the Development Goals to Parliaments of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. In this context, please allow me to invite your readers to visit the photographic exhibition “Diego

xico and RAS, respectively, institutionalising direct dialogue and cooperation between them. Moreover, BANCOMEXT, the Mexican bank for foreign trade, and AOFI, the Serbian Export Credit and Insurance Agency, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Export Credits in order to promote bilateral trade. The Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment & Technology (COMCE) and the Chambers of Commerce of Serbia and Novi Sad decided to relaunch their cooperation agreements, intensifying the exchange of information and services that allows an increase in bilateral trade.

fourth largest telecommunications group and has a presence in various countries. Telekom Austria is the European unit of AméricaMóvil and, through its subsidiary VIP, has a presence in Serbia. VIP currently has a net investment in Serbia exceeding around a billion euros, with 2.1 million active lines that represent a market share of 24.1%, while generating 1,200 direct jobs. Moreover, VIP is the largest “greenfield” investor in Serbia. Through its European Unit, AméricaMóvil has 24 million mobile subscribers in Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia, generating 19,000 direct jobs. AmericaMóvil is interested in increasing its local market presence and has plans to make more investments and create new jobs. Please tell us something more about Mexico’s recent general elections, which the media dubbed “historic”.

Rivera & Frida Kahlo: a smile halfway through the path”, which will be on display in the Central Hall of the National Assembly of Serbia between 3rd and 14th September 2018 and which showcases cooperation with the National Assembly of Serbia. Mexico and Serbia do not have a satisfactory level of economic cooperation. Do you believe there is a way to achieve some progress in this area?

Yes, of course. In 2017 bilateral trade between Mexico and Serbia grew 19% compared to 2016, and 1,408% compared to 2010. However, the amount is very modest and does not correspond to the potential of both countries, so it is necessary to reinforce the joint strategy to promote the exchange of goods and services. In this regard, we already organised two seminars on business opportunities between our countries and identified and promoted the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Mexican and Serbian bodies in charge of promoting trade and investments, ProMé-

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On 1st July 2018, Mexico reaffirmed its democratic practises with the largest electoral process in its history, in which 18,299 federal, state and municipal posts were decided, including the office of the President of Mexico You have noted that the VIP mobile telephone network represents a major Mexican

On 1st July 2018, Mexico reaffirmed its democratic practises with the largest electoral process in its history, in which 18,299 federal, state and municipal posts were decided, including the office of the President of Mexico. There were 32,520 national observers and 907 foreign observers from 60 countries. The electoral roll totalled 89.3 million citizens, of which 56.6 million exercised their right to vote (63.4%), and 156,792 voting booths were installed; that is, 99.99% of the total (156,807). The votes were cast in freedom and counted by 1,400,000 randomly selected citizens, who were previously trained. They were the main guarantee of respect for the vote.

There were 2.7 million representatives accredited by political parties, representing an historical figure.

Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the candidate of the movement “Juntos Haremos Historia”, composed of the political parties “Movimiento de Regeneracion Nacional” (MORENA), “Partido del Trabajo” (PT) and “Encuentro Social”, won the Presidency of the Republic with 53.19% of the votes. The other three presidential candidates acknowledged the triumph of Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who will take office on 1st December. Additionally, this will be the first time in 24 years that a Mexican President will have a majority in the Legislative branch, and a gender-equality composition was also achieved, with 51% men and 49% women in the Senate, and 51.2% men and 48.8% women in the Chamber of Deputies.

investment in Serbia, though we view it here

President-elect Andrés Manuel López Obra-

more as an investment connected to Austria.

dor considers social inequality and corruption

Why is that?

as being the main reasons for widespread

Mexican company AméricaMóvil is the world’s

violence in Mexico. Similar problems also exist

in Serbia. Do you believe the new president can fulfil his pre-election pledges to reduce corruption and create new jobs?

Like any other country in the world, Mexico has a lot of challenges, and in order to face them the majority of the people of Mexico decided, in a democratic election on 1st July, to give their vote to Andrés Manuel LópezObrador as President of Mexico for the 20182024 term. He comes from the centre-left side of the political spectrum and emphasised the importance of tackling corruption and inequality in Mexico. So, yes, we will see some important adjustments and changes in Mexico with the new government, in order to achieve such goals, and you can be reassured that all the Mexicans hope he will successful, particularly because he has a majority in both Chambers at the legislative branch (House of Deputies and Senate) and his initiatives will be supported there. Please note there are no politically extreme ideologies in Mexico and, despite all the weaknesses, shortcomings and contradictions that you can find today in Mexico, we are currently ranked as the 11th largest economy worldwide, the 10th largest democracy in the world, with 130 million inhabitants, the largest Spanishspeaking country, the 6th most visited country, with 39.3 million international visitors in 2017, the 10th major food producer and the 14th largest United Nations budget contributor, among other strengths.

have some sensitive issues, such as migration and drugrelated issues, but from the Mexican point of view the best way to face these common challenges is through cooperation, not blaming each other or building walls. Can the two countries reach a compromise on the two important issues of trade and migration? How do the Mexican people view the U.S President’s initiative to erect walls along the entire length of the border with Mexico?

Yes. We did it before and we can do it now. Please

- an agreement to modernise NAFTA. On migration, we all also know that it is a global phenomenon and even here in Europe is a permanent challenge. The United States, by being a successful country in many ways, is a magnet of attraction for migrants from all over the world, many of whom use Mexican territory to try and enter the United States illegally, with hopes of better life opportunities. We share a land border that runs for 3,152 kilometres. In order to get an idea of how big that is, imagine if we traced a line between Lisbon in Portugal and Minsk in Belarus, that crossed the whole of Europe. Obviously, due to the size of the

How important is it for the future of Mexico to improve relations with the United States and its president?

All relations with your neighbours are relevant. Mexico and the United States share common values and economic interests. Both countries believe in democracy, human rights, the rule of law, due process, transparency and accountability. We have (Mexico and the United States) a successful free trade agreement. Mexico is the third major trade partner of the United States. Over a billion U.S. dollars are traded over the border every single day, amounting to approximately $365 billion worth of annual trade. The U.S.-Mexican border is not the largest, but certainly it is a big one and maybe the most dynamic, with 300 million crossings annually in both directions. Just the border between Tijuana and San Diego (one of the 54 international border crossing points) registers more than 50 million crossings every year. We have several high-level bilateral mechanisms to attend the relationship and to process eventual differences. Some 12 million Mexicans live into the United States and Mexico is the main tourist destination for Americans. Where is the largest group of American expats living abroad? In Mexico!! We, of course, also

The US-Mexican border is not the largest, but certainly it is a big one and maybe the most dynamic, with 300 million crossings annually in both directions note that President Trump introduced a new approach to the relationship between the U.S. and not only Mexico, but the whole world. Due to the relevance of the United States, everybody is learning to deal with the new approach and Mexico is no exception. On trade, we have (Mexico and the United States) since 1994 had a successful free trade agreement together with Canada (NAFTA), and the three countries are working together to reach –maybe in the coming days

border, there are unguarded areas where migrants try to get into the United States. In Mexico’s opinion, this is a common challenge that must be addressed through cooperation. To blame Mexico for the migratory phenomenon, that I repeat, is present all over the world, is not only unfair but also ineffective. In some way, for example, the Mediterranean Sea is an enormous natural wall between Africa and Europe, and obviously it is not enough to stop the incoming migration. That’s why Mexicans don’t believe in walls.

In our opinion, regarding economic migration, if people are going to look for jobs somewhere in another country, and find them, it is confirmed that we are talking about a labour market with supply and demand that must be regulated with appropriate migratory laws.

The future of the bilateral relationship is a common responsibility and Mexico’s commitment is serious, constructive and based on a relationship of good faith to build a more competitive region in North America, and to consolidate our common border as a space of prosperity for both nations.

September

17

GLOBAL DIARY

Security “Europe can no longer rely on the United States for its security. It is up to us to guarantee European security. I want us to launch an exhaustive review of our security with all Europe’s partners, which includes Russia.”

– EMMANUEL MACRON, FRENCH PRESIDENT

INDONESIA EARTHQUAKE SERIES STRUCK LOMBOK ICELAND

The death toll from the earthquake that rocked the Indonesian island of Lombok on 5 August has passed 400 and the government is estimating economic losses of at least several hundred million dollars. According to National disaster agency the quake killed 436 people so far, most of whom died in collapsing buildings. It said damage to homes, infrastructure and other property is at least 5 trillion rupiah ($342 million), calling that a temporary figure that will rise as more assessments are made. The agency said rebuilding will cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

The magnitude 7.0 quake flattened thousands of homes and according to the disaster agency’s latest estimate has displaced about 350,000 people. The powerful Lombok earthquake has lifted the Indonesian island it struck by as much as 25 centimetres, scientists say.

WORLD’S LARGEST MAKER OF CRYPTO MINING CHIPS WORTH $3BIL Bitmain Technologies Ltd, the world’s JIHAN WU biggest producer of cryptocurrency mining chips, is planning a Hong Kong initial public offering that could raise as much as US$3bil. The Beijing-based company, whose 32-year-old co-founder Jihan Wu is one of the most powerful players in crypto, plans to file a listing application with the Hong Kong stock exchange as early as September. If the share sale proceeds as planned, it would represent a major test of investor appetite for digital-currency companies after the market value of Bitcoin and its peers tumbled by more than 75% since early January.

A successful listing would be a landmark event for the crypto industry, which is increasingly trying to move from the fringes of finance into the mainstream.

SARAJEVO FILM FESTIVAL – 24TH EDITION

The Sarajevo Film Festival is one of the most prominent in Europe. This year’s 24th edition was the biggest ever. The programme included over 260 films from 56 countries and 52 premieres. Sarajevo Film Festival represents the main meeting place for all regional producers and authors and is recognized by film professionals from all over the world as the pinnacle point for networking for all wishing to learn more about the possibilities this region has to offer. The Festival presents a wide programme selection of both competitive and non-competitive films as well as a the CineLink co-production market. Sarajevo Film Festival Competition program is accredited by FIAPF as a Competitive Specialized Festival. The main focus is the region of Southeast Europe (Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece. Hungary, FYR Macedonia, Malta, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Turkey, UNMI Kosova) and it’s filmmakers which compete in Feature, Short and Documentary film section.

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September

THE JURY OF THE VENICE FILM FESTIVAL

Impression “I am certain that the present moment should be used for progress in negotiations. Something happened last night. I have an impression that I have witnessed a historic moment (potentially successful cooperation between Vučić and Thaci)” – VAN DER BELLEN, PRESIDENT OF AUSTRIA

GENOA BRIDGE COLLAPSE

A massive tower and a 200-metre horizontal section of a bridge in Genoa, Italy both made of concrete collapsed on to railway lines, a river, and a warehouse 45 metres below, taking dozens of vehicles with it. The Genoese bridge was originally completed in 1967. It is made primarily from pre-stressed concrete – a form of concrete that has high tension steel cables running through it to improve its strength. It is part of the A10 toll motorway that helps traffic goods from local ports and connects the Italian Riviera to the south-east coast of France. The Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte has declared a 12-month state of emergency in the region and has made €5 million available to help with the aftermath. Over 400 people were evacuated from the area, including those who live in housing blocks under one of the pillars.

Firefighters have been searching for survivors and bodies.

THOUSANDS OF MUSLIMS ATTENDED PRAYERS IN MECCA Eid Al-Adha is Islamic holiday celebrated last month at Saudi Arabia hosted two million Muslims as they descend on Mecca to perform Hajj. Once a year, millions of Muslims from across the globe make their way to the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia for a pilgrimage each follower is required to make at least once during their lifetime. Muslims that are unable to perform the pilgrimage for financial and health reason are exempt but can get others to perform Hajj on their behalf. Hajj took place from the 8th to the 12th of Dhu al-Hijja, which is the final and holiest month in the Islamic calendar.

The event is deeply spiritual and requires a set of rituals that were once performed by the Prophet Muhammad centuries ago. This year the five-day holy pilgrimage lasted from Sunday 19th August until Friday 24th August. More than two million people made the trip this year

75TH VENICE FILM FESTIVAL KICKS OFF PUTIN DANCES AT AUSTRIAN

FOREIGN MINISTER’S WEDDING

The 75th annual Venice Film Festival kicked off on August 29 on the lagoon with a presentation of the juries who will decide the destinies of this year’s crop of cinema contenders. The jury for the main competition is presided by Mexican director Guillermo del Toro, whose movie The Shape of Water won four.

The jury will award the Golden Lion for Best Film, the Silver Lion for Best Director, the Coppa Volpi for Best Actor and Best Actress, plus a Best Screenplay Award, a Special Jury Prize, and an award for Best New Young Actor or Actress. The main contenders this year include Doubles Vies (Double Lives)

by Olivier Assayas, starring Juliette Binoche and Guillaume Canet, Damien Chazelle’s First Man, starring Ryan Gosling, Roma by Oscar-winning director Alfonso Cuaron, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs by the Coen Brothers, and At Eternity’s Gate, by painter and director Julian Schnabel, starring Willem Dafoe and Emmanuelle Seigner.

President Vladimir Putin of Russia danced with Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl of Austria during her wedding on Saturday. Vladimir Putin, Russian President, stopped by the Austrian foreign minister’s wedding to wish her well amid criticism from the opposition and abroad. Mr. Putin presented the bride with flowers and presents and went on to dance with her at the event in southern Austria near the border with Slovenia. The Russian president was accompanied by a band of Cossack singers who performed for the wedding guests. Karine Kneissl is an academic with no party affiliation.

She was chosen as foreign minister

by Austria’s far-right Freedom Party, currently a partner in the coalition government.

September

19

Feature IVAN MEDENICA BITEF ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND SELECTOR

We dare say that the Belgrade International Theatre Festival, aka BITEF, is paid the most attention by the public among all the festivals that take place in Serbia. This year, from 13th to 22nd September, it will be held in Belgrade for the 52nd time. During that time, there will be performances of ten guest plays from Slovenia, France, Serbia, Germany, Croatia, Estonia, Switzerland, Israel and Belgium. Ivan Medenica, artistic director and selector of BITEF, brought them all together under the slogan “world without people”, which elicits many associations. Among many meanings, the slogan of this year’s BITEF - “World Without People” – also has an apocalyptic meaning.

What prompted you to decide to describe today’s world in such a way?

Living In A

Dangerous World

We live in a world – in Europe and beyond – in which there are ever more authoritarian societies that are only nominally democratically organised (we now call them “illiberal democracies”), in a world of right-wing populism, xenophobia, racism, enormous social inequality and injustice... On the thematic plain, most of the plays from the main programme of the 52nd BITEF address precisely these problems, and therefore this slogan can be interpreted as “the world without real people” or “the world on the brink of apocalypse”. In the dramatic compositions of the 52nd BITEF, that is exactly what happens: the Estonian play with the telling title ‘Filth’ symbolically signifies this apocalypse, after which the thematic focus shifts from social breakdown to existential breakdown, on the theme of death. The second half of the

“The task of this year’s BITEF is to reconcile us with the fact that we are living in a troublingly dangerous world, to prompt us to ask whether and how theatre and art can counteract that, and to jolt us out of our aesthetic prejudices.”

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September

By Sonja By author Ćirić

festival is marked by plays about death, in which not one performer, actor, appears, so the slogan “world without people” has a double meaning... I don’t think that there’s nothing beautiful and good in our world, that always was and will be, even in times worse than ours, but I think that art should flee to those idyllic, phantasmagoric spaces, to close the eyes, rather it should diagnose problems and provide an alternative. If nothing else, that alternative can be the theatre universe itself, the exchange of energy and emotions that happens to us in the theatre “now and here”. That’s not an escapism, it’s a school of empathy that’s ever less evident in our world. This slogan applies equally to both the artistic and the thematic aspects of BITEF. It’s not hard to imagine plays that deal with a world without people, but it is hard to imagine a stage without people. What’s that about?

It’s about installations, forms that connect performers and visual artists, which is widely recognised

We’re not advocating for a theatre without actors, performers, rather we merely want to establish that, despite being distinct and marginal, the art of installations also partly belongs to the theatre and acknowledged in the world circles. In our region, however, it is more closely linked to visual arts. We want to show that it legitimately belongs, although there’s no live artist that forms its core, and theatre art. According to some other elements, all three installations in the programme of the 52nd BITEF belong to the theatre: they have certain dramatic compositions, a limited time frame, provide viewers with a powerful sensory experience of a specific space and atmosphere...

The fact that they’re all productions of theatre houses also isn’t negligible, nor that we’ve decided to show them at BITEF, which is our manifest, and not in museums, galleries or alternative spaces, rather in theatres. We don’t want to claim that the art of installations is a “new theatre tendency”, because it isn’t, but it is novel, as a password for modernism, inappropriate for the performing arts’ contemporary world scene. However, even though they aren’t new, installations are still, especially in our environment, a very “bitef-esque” phenomenon – radical, bold, subversive etc., and it’s primarily because of that that they call into question the necessity for the live presence of performers as the aesthetic basis of theatre. We’re not advocating for a theatre without actors, performers, rather we merely want to establish that, despite being distinct and marginal, the art of installations also partly belongs to the theatre. BITEF exists to launch us into thought and action. Which specific task has it taken on this year?

September

21

Interview (Nekrošius, Tuminas, Koršunovas) and Latvian (Hermanis) directors, but it is true that this is the first guest appearance of an Estonian theatre and artists in Serbia. However, this is about a directorial tandem and plays that have already achieved great international success, as winners of the prestigious Premio Europe: Theatrical Realities award. One could say in jest that this is “the most bitef-esque” this year: the actors dance in mud, even throwing it at one another, it is only in them that some are stripped naked... For me, it’s important that the exceptional performance quality of the play – that furious, witty, highly associative dance in the mud – will mitigate the risk of the reading of a literary metaphor in the style “the civilisation is writhing in the mud”.

To reconcile us with the fact that we are living in a troublingly dangerous world, in which a new form of “fascism” is on the rise. It can in no way be compared, in historical categories, with that of the 1930s, but it does have certain structural analogies.

It also prompts us to question whether and how theatre and art can counteract such phenomena.

It then strives to sensitise us to the phenomenon representing the biggest taboo in our world of eternal youth, beauty and happiness: death. Last, but not least, is to shake our aesthetic prejudices; to convince us that the concept of theatre is constantly expanding and changing, and that in it there are also places for the art of installations. The return of phenomena that characterise fascism is a theme of several plays.

What do they have in common and how do they differ?

The majority deal with the rise of right-wing populism today, but with the Slovenian play ‘Odilo.

Obscuration. Oratorio’, about the famous Neue Slowenische Kunst movement from the 1980s, Dragan Živadinov turns back to the subject of original Nazism, in order to warn us of the risk of its vampirism. Both of Frljić’s plays are aimed at the rise of the right in specific contemporary circumstances, in Germany and Croatia, which they do in their own unique, direct way, whilst at the same time also questioning – which is not the case with other plays – the position of the theatre, its power(lessness) to resist these phenomena. Frenchman Joris Lacoste’s play Suite No. 3 ‘Europe’ also critically launches the topic of xenophobia, rightist populism and illiberal societies, and in that he does so throughout the EU, although he does with French elegance, humour and sophistication. You also invited a play with a debutante director – Marina Davydova. Besides her, which other authors is BITEF promoting this year?

Marina Davydova is one of the leading Russian and European theatre critics and festival curators, and this is her first artistic endeavour. Her case confirms that one of the characteristics of contemporary performing arts is the destruction of “professional specialisations”, the problematisation of the notion of the ‘author’: there are increasingly more collective authorships, while theorists, composers and visual artists appear as theatrical creators and the like. This

22

September

From here in Serbia you invited a play of the National Theatre in Belgrade. What makes it special?

This year we’ve cooperated with the Goethe Institute, the embassies of Israel and Switzerland, and the French Institute, but I would like to single out in particular, including in terms of the level of assistance, the representatives of the EU in Serbia is also the case with BITEF’s other “discovery” this year, Nadav Barnea, an Israeli musician and light designer who is the author of the wonderful installation PA’AM. The Estonian play comprises the attractive space, primarily, from which it comes.

We don’t know anything about this kind of theatre. What will we see?

I agree with your claim only partially. The theatre culture of the Baltic countries is among the most developed in Europe, at both BITEF and the Sterijino pozorje festival we’ve had the opportunity to see works by leading Lithuanian

The play ‘Bollywood’, addresses the problems of contemporary Serbian society in a layered way, ranging from wild privatisation and xenophobia to poverty, while it somehow does that in a seemingly very easy, witty and camp way. It is in this that it differs significantly from what has remained of political theatre in our country, and which is usually always deadly seriously, like the screeches of preachers, and basically fairly artistically dry and/or dull. Moreover, the play’s director is authoress Maja Pelević, which corresponds with the tendency I mentioned earlier about deconstructing professional specialisations in contemporary artistic performances. Testifying to the claim that Bitef is one of our cultural diplomats is your cooperation with foreign centres of culture. With whom did you cooperate this year?

Yes, this year we’ve cooperated with the Goethe Institute, and that cooperation is traditionally excellent, the embassies of Israel and Switzerland, and the French Institute, but I would like to single out in particular, including in terms of the level of assistance, the representatives of the EU in Serbia.

Their support is even more significant because it came primarily for the play Suite No. 3 ‘Europe’, which critiques the rise of the right in all 28 EU countries. This is also a good example of how our country should subsidise the critical culture, that which calls out and question the government itself, because that leads to social emancipation.

Interview PACO BORAO

PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION OF INTERNATIONAL MARATHONS AND DISTANCE RACES, AIMS

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Thwarts Belgrade Marathon

Following more than 30 years of the excellent tradition of the Belgrade Marathon, news has emerged of the plans of the Athletics Federation of Serbia – a member of the Olympic Committee of Serbia – and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the basic function of which is the affirmation and development of athletics sports, to establish “their own”(Belgrade) Marathon this October, initially to be called the Serbian Open Marathon, then the Serbian City marathon and, finally, the Serbian Marathon series – despite the fact that they may only be races of five and ten kilometres.

In accordance with a good old tradition, this idea was immediately heralded by one major Belgrade daily newspaper which, without even delving into the essence of the situation, immediately announced that the existing Belgrade Marathon, “due to accumulated debts” and the fact that it “doesn’t possess an IAAF license”, will be removed from the calendar of athletics events after 31 years. In an effort to supplement the evidently ordered article, the newspaper also reported that the Belgrade Marathon is not a member of the IAAF and does not feature in the IAAF and EA (European Athletics) calendar.

The fact is that none of the world’s marathons are IAAF members (including members of the so-called World “Marathon Majors” – London, New York, Boston, Chicago, Berlin and Tokyo) – though they are AIMS members and even founders of that global Association. Also, the fact that the biggest European marathons, like London, Berlin and Paris, are not in EA calendar was probably deemed irrelevant.

The Belgrade Marathon has for over 30 years represented one of the largest sporting, social and humanitarian gems of Belgrade and Serbia. Having joined the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) in 1990, it has long been, and remains today, as a reference and a firm supporter of this new and beautiful sport. AIMS today boasts a total of 449 members from 118 countries, including Serbia 24

September

Moreover, the article also failed to state that the Belgrade Marathon’s debts have accumulated as a result of forgetful sponsors, who persistently avoid paying the organiser significant sums of money agreed for sponsorship.

What will happen next remains to be seen. What can be concluded for now is that this year’s announced marathon of the Athletic Association of Serbia will amount to nothing, except perhaps a half-marathon event, though this is also shrouded in uncertainty.

In the meantime, CorD spoke with the President of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), an organisation that unites 450 members from 118 countries, including the largest ‘Golden Six’ marathons (London, Boston, New York, Tokyo, Berlin and Chicago), but also the Belgrade Marathon. How many members does AIMS currently have?

The Association of International Marathons and Distance Races counts, at the end of June, 449 members from 118 different countries, building wide

None of the world’s marathons are IAAF members (including members of the so-called World “Marathon Majors” – London, New York, Boston, Chicago, Berlin and Tokyo) – though they are AIMS members and even founders of that global Association

comes to specific events like marathons in various cities?

international coverage and showing today’s global interest in this sport on all continents.

Our relationship stems from the time of AIMS’ creation, back in May 1982, at its first Congress in London. Even prior to this date, the emerging world of mass marathon races was seeking some kind of recognition from the athletics governing body, the IAAF, which considered this movement a hobby activity more than an organised sport. Nevertheless, the organisers of the 29 races that attended this first Congress introduced, as part of AIMS objectives, “to work with the International Association of Athletic Federations – IAAF on all matters relating to international road races”, and since then we have been working closely, mostly on all technical matters, such as race measurements, qualifying criteria, Measurer’s seminars etc.

On the national side, AIMS has no formal relationship with any national federation.

What is the relationship between IAAF and AIMS from one side, and AIMS and national athletic associations on the other, when it

The Belgrade Marathon Co. has organised, and continues to organise, many race events, like the Children’s Marathon, Belgrade Mara-

September

25

Interview thon, Belgrade Race Through History, Belgrade Half-Marathon, the Ladies Race and its latest event, the Belgrade Runway Run. These all rep-

remain innovative, with the recent BEG Runway Run being the best example.

resent extremely interesting events organised to encompass Belgrade landmark sites and

What benefits are gained by the cities and regions where marathons are held?

dedicated to different categories of the popula-

We have been talking since the beginning of this popular movement about the huge individual benefits that the practise of this easy physical exercise would have for the health and wellbeing of people of all ages, consequently leading to a decrease in the

tion. Is that the right recipe for organising such events and developing the movement and, of course, for getting support from the state and cities – i.e. local communities?

of runners, resulting in the best promotions of local historic, architectural, artistic and environmental assets, on top of the logical economic impact within city services.

As a result, marathon organisations already consider that – along with the aforementioned positive business impact – they must seek quality in the services they provide, so not only on the sporting side, but also in terms of all surrounding social and tourist services.

Finally, with all of this in mind, everybody around should understand that race organisers participate actively in the overall economic development of host cities and the minimising of the disruption caused to regular conditions for road transport. Here the local authorities have a key role to play in create good harmony among all stakeholders in a city… According to many relevant surveys, tens of millions of people around the world are included in the so-called fourth wave of in-

PACO BORAO (LEFT) AND DEJAN NIKOLIĆ, DIRECTOR OF BELGRADE MARATHON

The Belgrade Marathon started its activities around three decades ago and was a pioneer in the region, with the required level of reliability and responsibility in its race organisation, working closely with the City’s authorities. The number and variety of races – from elite to popular mixed competition – fusing sport and culture via the so-called Race Through History, involving children to show the benefits of natural sport and its relationship with health and wellbeing for all, as well as the inclusion of the special women’s race, shows the nature and philosophy of the working team behind the Belgrade Marathon company.

And, believe me, I am perfectly aware that this has never been easy. I have personally followed the difficulties faced by this organisation – from the bombing of Belgrade in the 1990s to the abandoning of the event by some of its main sponsors, making things more than just difficult. And I am very glad to have witnessed, along with Mrs Martha Morales, AIMS VP in charge of social activities, the 25th anniversary Children’s race staged this year in Belgrade, as well as the strength they’ve shown to survive and even

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September

“Running is the sport that invented solidarity programmes within its events, and all this has been done out of the free initiative of lovers of this sport. The Belgrade Marathon, as a race, and AIMS, as the worldwide association of marathons and distance races, are perfect examples of that.” medical attention expenses of society.

Moreover, with the numbers of people running today, marathons have become one of the key tourist attractions for cities that welcome thousands

creasing the popularity of running, including those who are already running and those who are interested in this physical activity. All of that developed beyond the scope of either the IAAF or national athletic federations.

How do you see the future of running as an activity and as an industry?

I believe deeply that projects, activities, works, and even people, represent a completely open track to the future when they are born birth, and where they end up will depend on how their drivers conduct them … Pheidippides never considered when he started his race, or even he finished it, that his achievement would become the guiding light for millions of people flooding the entire world…

This is the simplest sport; it is just running – an activity that makes toddlers smile the first time they’re able to do it; a marathon is a race in which all runners cross the finish line as winners, no matter their performance. Running is the sport that invented solidarity programmes within its events, and all this has been done out of the free initiative of lovers of this sport. The Belgrade Marathon, as a race, and AIMS, as the worldwide association of marathons and distance races, are perfect examples of that.

I have no concern for this sport. Our future looks promising, and I can promise that at AIMS, as a not-for-profit association, we will keep doing everything we can to “foster and promote marathon and distance races throughout the world”, which is our primary objective.

Leaders’

RICHARD BRYCE Country Division Head Bayer Crop Science Alpe Adria

Important Time To Be In Agriculture PAGE /28

PROF. M. MEMET OZEK, M.D. Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery Acibadem Healthcare Group

Babies With Cerebral Palsy Can Be Helped With Early Rehabilitation PAGE /29

MEETING POINT AHMED AL AWADI General Manager, Eastern Europe, Central Asia & Russia, Masdar

DRAGIĆ KARAKLIĆ Director of Public Company “National Park Tara”

Largest Utility-Scale Wind Project

Nature’s Treasure Trove

PAGE /32

PAGE /36

MIRKO BUTULIJA President of the Auto-moto Association of Serbia (AMSS)

Advancing Safety On The Roads Of Serbia PAGE /37

RICHARD BRYCE, COUNTRY DIVISION HEAD BAYER CROP SCIENCE ALPE ADRIA

Important Time To Be In Agriculture It was two years ago that Bayer announced its intention to acquire Monsanto, and in order to do so it had to obtain more than 30 regulatory approvals, and to divest many of its own businesses and assets

our combined portfolio will bring together Monsanto’s outstanding seeds, plant traits and digital farming platforms with Bayer’s strength in chemical and biological crop protection solutions.

A

lthough Bayer is still primarily recognised as a pharmaceuticals company, it has been present in agriculture for a long time and has developed many high-quality agricultural solutions, stresses Richard Bryce, Country Division Head Bayer Crop Science Alpe Adria, speaking for CorD.

Could you describe Bayer’s business strategy, considering that you’re now a global leader in agriculture?

Over the past few years, we’ve focused our portfolio on building leading businesses in health and nutrition. However, this is an incredibly important time to be in agriculture.

Although Bayer is still primarily recognised as a pharmaceuticals company – which I also think will change – Bayer has been present in agriculture for a long time. We’ve developed many high-quality agricultural solutions, some of which we had to divest, with a heavy heart, as part of the acquisition process. However, acquiring Monsanto represents an important and logical step in our company’s evolution.

This acquisition doubles the size of our agriculture business—making Bayer a leader in the sector. This means we will be in a better position to help farmers address the significant challenges they face. Strategically,

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September

How will small farmers and consumers benefit from the acquisition of Monsanto?

About half the world’s food is produced by smallholder farmers. This is also the situation in this region, where agriculture is predominantly a family business.

New agricultural solutions will enable us to make tailored solutions adapted to the needs of a particular farmer

That connection is why we believe smallholder farmers play a significant role in agriculture, and why they should be given new knowledge and technologies in particular. We’ve been doing this for years; each season we educate farmers and conduct field trials, to show them the effects of our products and possibilities in agricultural practises.

Smallholder farmers can become ‘agripreneurs’ who play a role in feeding their families and safeguarding the local food supply. That’s why they need access to high-quality seeds and appropriate crop

protection options – that’s not something developed and accessible only to large agricultural businesses.

New agricultural solutions will enable us to make tailored solutions adapted to the needs of a particular farmer.

In general, due to technological development and innovation, crop protection products and improved seed varieties have helped farmers increase yields by 50 per cent or more. These efficiencies enable greater production on less land, which conserves biodiversity and protects soil health, ultimately lowering the price of food for the consumer.

What do you expect after integration is finalised?

It’s been a long journey; it was two years ago that Bayer announced its intention to acquire Monsanto and along the way we had to obtain more than 30 regulatory approvals and divest many of our own businesses and assets, where our employees showed great dedication – not only in facing those requirements, but also in maintaining everyday work and support to our customers.

We will firstly have to integrate Monsanto’s business into our Crop Science division and harmonise business processes.

That will probably take some time, but we remain committed to our strong heritage of transparency, sustainability and corporate social responsibility. The combined business will put us in a position of even greater societal responsibility, as we combine a leading seeds portfolio with an innovative crop protection portfolio.

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LOCAL NEWS

Efficacy “The collapse of part on Kosine 2 was in some way expected, so “Corridors” had previously prepared project and technical documentation for the construction of a new gallery on the highest part of “Kosine 2” – ZORAN BABIĆ, DIRECTOR OF “CORRIDORS OF SERBIA”

JAPAN TOBACCO INT.

JTI INVESTS $7 MILLION IN SENTA PRODUCTION The largest Japanese investor in Serbia, Japan Tobacco International launched a new production line in the factory in Senta as part of investment cycle worth $7million. The new line was officially launched by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade, Tourism, and Telecommunications Rasim Ljajić, President of the Assembly of AP Vojvodina Istvan Pastor, and Yasutake Tango the Chairman of JTI Group.

Investment cycle, in addition to the new production line, includes further modernisation of mechanisation in the factory, as well as product innovations.

As the only foreign company which purchases domestic tobacco, JTI is the largest tobacco producer in Serbia. Since purchasing the Senta Tobacco Industry in 2006, JTI has invested almost $180 million in Serbia, tripled number of employees from 84 to 290, and launched the production of cigarettes and their export into Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia and Albania, as well as the export of tobacco to EU. The value of the export since 2006 is almost USD 230 million, while the market share during the same period was tripled. JTI is one of five largest taxpayers in Serbia with the contribution to the state budget of 2 billion dollars in period 2006 - 2018.

SHANDONG LINGLONG

NEW TYRE FACTORY FOR 1500 JOBS Chinese company Shandong Linglong intends to open 1,500 jobs at the tyre factory it plans to build in Zrenjanin.

Last month Shandong Linglong said it plans to invest €860 million in the construction of a tyre factory in Zrenjanin. Construction works are planned to officially start in April 2019 and will be carried out in three phases, with the last one to be completed in March 2025. The investment project is a result of negotiations that lasted for about a year and Zrenjanin was picked as it was the only Serbian city able to provide a 136-hectare plot of land needed for the construction of the factory.

The investment contract will be signed during the official visit of Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic to China scheduled to take place from September 17 to 20. Shandong Linglong has decided to build the factory in Serbia because of low investment, construction, labour and energy costs compared to other countries in Europe, the Chinese company said earlier last month.

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ERIN VENTURES

BORON DEPOSIT IN SERBIA WORTH BILLIONS? The small Canadian company Erin Ventures from Vancouver entered the drilling program in Serbia’s Piskanja region following withdrew of Tinto from the concession and has discovered a boron deposit of approximately 11 billion tons, worth billions of Euros. According to a preliminary feasibility study, this mine could be in operation for 21 years.

Unconfirmed information said that a global company - “whose name is kept secret because of competition” agreed with Erin Ventures on an initial investment of $20 million in order to improve the project, and is prepared to finance additional exploration over the next two years of the boron deposit, believed to be the third largest is the world.

NATIONAL BANK OF SERBIA

CAUTION IN THE PURSUIT OF MONETARY POLICY IS STILL NEEDED At its 9 August monetary policy meeting, the Executive Board of the National Bank of Serbia (NBS) voted to keep the key policy rate on hold at 3.0%, a decision that met market expectations.

The NBS considered its decision appropriate in the context of increasing inflationary pressures, as the Bank aims to anchor inflation in its target range of 1.5%–4.5%. Although inflation came in at 2.3% in June, it has been relatively subdued this year, averaging 1.7% in the first six months of the year.

The Board expects inflation will “continue to move within the target tolerance band in the next two years”. However, due to a low base effect, the Board sees inflation ending next year below the midpoint of its target range.

In its communiqué, the National Bank of Serbia stated that “caution in the pursuit of monetary policy is still needed, primarily in view of uncertainty in the international commodity and financial markets”.

Responsibility “Two things are important – completing Corridor 10 and ensuring its safety, and determining responsibility for the collapse of the wall, which I will insist on” – ZORANA MOHAJLOVIĆ, SERBIAN CONSTRUCTION AND INFRASTRUCTURE MINISTER

Placements postings

&

appointments@aim.rs

H.E. THOMAS SCHIEB, NEW GERMAN AMBASSADOR TO SERBIA Thomas Schieb earned his Masters’ degree in macroeconomics at the University of Göttingen, Germany, and then gained a diploma from the Diplomatic Academy in Bonn. From 1992 to 1994 he was a correspondent at the Special Staff of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Bosnia, and in 1996 served as second secretary of the German Embassy in Sarajevo. From 1996 to 1998 he was the first secretary in the Department of Culture and Media at the embassy in Dar es Salaam, Tansania, and then, until 1999, served as a correspondent for South Africa in Bonn. From 1999 to 2002, Mr Schieb held the position of a correspondent of the Department for Basic Issues of Defence and Security Policy in Berlin, and then, until 2005, served as an advisor to the Political Department of the Permanent Mission to the EU in Brussels. From 2005 to 2009 he held the function of deputy chief of the EU Department in Berlin, and then, until 2011, as spokesman of the Embassy of Germany in London, UK. For the next three years, until 2014, Mr Schieb was Chief of the Department for the EU at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Berlin. He arrives in Serbia from the position of envoy and political coordinator at the Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, U.S. H.E. SUBRATA BHATTACHARJEE, NEW INDIAN AMBASSADOR TO SERBIA Subrata Bhattacharjee (54) graduated in Electrical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, before joining the Indian Foreign Service in 1989.

His diplomatic assignments include postings in Bonn, Lusaka, Frankfurt, Ankara, Chittagong and Cairo. From 2012 to 2012 he served as Indian Ambassador in Guatemala City, concurrently accredited to the Republic of El Salvador and the Republic of Honduras. Prior to his arrival Serbia, Mr Bhattacharjee was Additional Secretary (Central Europe) at the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi – a position he held until August 2018, when he officially became the Ambassador of India to the Republic of Serbia. Mr Bhattacharjee speaks Hindi, Bengali, English and German.

H.E. KOENRAAD ADAM, NEW BELGIAN AMBASSADOR TO SERBIA Koenraad Adam has an MA Degree from Ghent University in African History and Culture and a postgraduate Erasmus ‘Comparative Study of Knowledge Systems’ from the same university. He entered Belgium’s diplomatic service in 1990, serving as attaché of diplomatic training at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Brussels, after which he held the post of attaché and deputy head of mission at the Belgian Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 1992 to ‘93. From 1993 to ’95 he was 2nd Secretary and Deputy Head of the International Commodity Agreements Unit DG-Multilateral Affairs, MFA, and from 1995 to ‘98 he was 2nd Secretary and Head of the Economic Affairs Unit of the Belgian Embassy in Moscow. He first became 1st Secretary and Deputy Head of Mission at the Belgian Embassy in Lisbon in 1998, before receiving his first ambassadorship in 2003, when Mr Adam became Belgian Ambassador in Kampala, Uganda and non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Eritrea. From 2006 to ‘09 he was Head of the DRC Congo-Unit, Africa department DG Bilateral Affairs at the Belgium MFA and in 2009 he was appointed Belgian Ambassador to Cuba in Havana, before serving, from 2012 to ’15 as Ambassador of Belgium to the Republic of Tanzania and non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Malawi, Mauritius and Zambia resident in Dar es Salaam. Ambassador Adam arrives in Serbia from the position of director of the Belgian MFA’s Policy Planning Department.

H.E. FAKHRI HASSAN MAHDI AL-ISSA, NEW IRAQI AMBASSADOR TO SERBIA H.E. Fakhri Hassan Mahdi AL-ISSA (67), graduated in agriculture engineering at Baghdad University’s College of Agriculture and the UK’s University College of North Wales. He also attended several courses in International marketing and documentations at Seneca College in Toronto, Canada, in 1989. From 1960 until 2008, he held various management positions in international trade, dealing with electro-mechanical products and consumer commodities. He joined the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2009, serving as ambassador and Head of the Asia Department, then, from 2010 to 2015, Mr Fakhri was Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the Republic of Venezuela. He then served, from 2015-17, as ambassador to the Republic of India, and prior to arrival in Serbia he was Head of the Policy Planning Department of the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Alongside his native Arabic, Ambassador Al-Issa is also fluent in English.

H.E. RUTH STEWART, NEW AUSTRALIAN AMBASSADOR TO SERBIA Ruth Stewart holds a B.A. degree from the University of Melbourne and a Graduate Certificate in Humanitarian Leadership from Deakin University.

Mrs Stewart is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and most recently served as Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh. She has previously served overseas as Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy in Yangon and Second Secretary at the Australian Embassy in Stockholm. She has held a range of positions in Canberra, including serving as director of the ASEAN Section and and director of the Myanmar Section.

H.E. TOMÁŠ KUCHTA, NEW CZECH AMBASSADOR TO SERBIA H.E. Tomáš Kuchta (49) graduated from the University of Agriculture, Faculty of Business and Economics, Brno. He joined the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1994, gaining initial experience in Diplomatic Protocol (1994), the Czech Embassy in Rome (1995-1999), Head of Commercial Section; MFA CR, Head of Unit, Dept. for Coordination of European Affairs (1999); Permanent Mission to the EU, Brussels, Head of Trade and Agricultural Section (2000); the Czech Embassy in Rome (2001-2005), Head of Commercial Section; MFA CR, Deputy Director, Dept. for Trade and Agricultural Policy of the EU, (2006-2007); MFA CR, Director of the Secretariat for the Preparation of the Czech Republic’s Presidency of the Council of the EU (2007); Czech Embassy in Zagreb, Head of Commercial Section (2008-2012) and MFA CR, Director of Bilateral Economic Relations and Export Promotion Department (2012 -2013). From 2014 to 2018, Mr Kuchta served as Deputy Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic. Ambassador Kuchta is married and, apart from his native Czech, speaks English, Italian and Serbo-Croat.

REGINA DE DOMINICIS, NEW UNICEF REPRESENTATIVE IN SERBIA Ms Regina De Dominicis was appointed as the UNICEF Representative in Serbia active as of 23rd August 2018, when she assumed her duties and took over responsibility for the activities of the Country Office.

Prior to this appointment, she served as UNICEF Representative in Morocco and, before that, as deputy representative in Turkey, where she played an important role in developing a strategic partnership with the EU for the CEE-CIS region. She has also worked at the European Commission, and during her career she managed programmes related to human rights in Montenegro, as well as the modernisation of education systems. She also served during this period on the Kosovo emergency (under UNSC Resolution 1244). After earning her Laurea di Dottore in Political Sciences at LUISS University in Rome, she specialised in European studies at the College of Europe in Belgium, where she also gained her Masters’ degree in 1999.

NATAŠA PJEVAC VUKŠIĆ, ACTING DIRECTOR OF MOL Nataša Pejavac Vukšić has been appointed acting director of company MOL, after having held the position of director of retail sales at MOL from 2016, prior to which she spent six years heading sales and marketing, according to a MOL Serbia statement.

She takes on this position at a time when the company has significant plans for the period ahead. Pjevac Vukšić gained great experience in her six years as MOL sales and marketing manager, and then from 2016 onwards as retail sales director. Her sphere of responsibility will enable her to utilise her acquired experience in handling tasks related to increasing the efficiency of operations, solving strategic issues of the company’s development, but also implementing key investment projects, with a special focus on collaboration and personnel development. The company expresses great gratitude to departing director Bjanka Vasilesku, who managed the company successfully through previous years.

MIKE MICHEL, NEW CEO OF TELENOR SERBIA Mr Mike Michel has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Telenor Serbia, part of the PPF Group, effective no later than 1st October 2018.

He brings over 20 years of leadership experience in global telecommunications companies, mainly based in the CEE region and North America, but also, most recently, in Asia, while he has broad expertise in the fields of marketing and sales, combined with his extensive leadership experience.

Michel has worked in various senior leadership roles and has taken on acting-CEO roles throughout the region – working mainly in Czechia, Serbia, Montenegro and Hungary. Mike has also worked in Canada, Norway and, most recently, Bangladesh. He holds a BA in Economics from Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada.

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AHMED AL AWADI, GENERAL MANAGER, EASTERN EUROPE, CENTRAL ASIA & RUSSIA, MASDAR

Largest Utility-Scale Wind Project At 158 megawatts, Čibuk 1 will be the largest utility-scale wind project in Serbia and the Western Balkans, supplying an estimated 113,000 homes and displacing more than 370 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually

“F

orty-two of the project’s 57 wind turbines have now been installed, along with 33 overhead cable pylons connecting the project to the electricity grid,” says Ahmed Al Awadi, Masdar’s general manager for Eastern Europe, Central Asia & Russia.

Vetroelektrane Balkana (WEBG), which is owned

by Tesla Wind, has been operating in Serbia for some time. What is your assessment of the renewable energy sector in the country? In your view, what is Serbia’s clean energy potential?

The business environment for renewable energy in Serbia is encouraging and has undergone continuous improvement in recent years. Renewable energy is a credible and commercially viable alternative to some of Serbia’s ageing lignite thermal power infrastructure. Increasing renewable energy generation will help to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution, as well as increasing Serbia’s energy security. Wind energy accounts for a large majority of Serbia’s renewable energy pipeline, but the country is well positioned to benefit from both solar and wind power.

The positive market sentiment we’re now seeing has been reinforced by the introduction of an updated legislative framework catering to renewable energy. This is aligned with the Serbian Ministry of Mining and Energy’s commitment to the renewable energy sector and the new construction laws and

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procedures introduced by the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure.

These developments support the government’s ambition of advancing its clean energy goals by deploying new technologies and supporting the private sector.

it possesses a talented and highly dedicated workforce. At Masdar, and through WEBG, we’re hoping to build on these solid foundations with our own experience of developing solar and wind projects in more than 20 countries around the world.

WEBG is making a significant financial investment in Serbia, and with that there has been the creation of local jobs. Are you facing challenges in recruiting qualified workers from the Serbian labour market?

What are your short- and long-term business plans for the Serbian market?

Since the emergence of the renewable energy industry, Masdar has been a key player in the development, commercialisation and deployment of clean energy technologies and solutions. Our deep technological understanding and broad international experience enables us to work in various regions.

We maintain strong relationships across the value chain with suppliers and financiers, enhancing our ability to work with a variety of regulatory regimes and policymakers.

We share our expertise with project partners to ensure the success of our primary near-term goal - the on-time construction and delivery of Čibuk 1 in the first half of next year.

At 158 megawatts, this will be the largest utility-scale wind project in Serbia and the Western Balkans, supplying an estimated 113,000 homes and displacing more than 370 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.

Forty-two of the project’s 57 wind turbines are now installed, along with 33 overhead cable pylons connecting the project to the electricity grid. We’ve also just handed over the transmission infrastructure to state transmission operator EMS. In the longer term, we’re ready to invest in future commercial renewable energy projects, in Serbia and the wider region, and are actively exploring opportunities.

Since the emergence of the renewable energy industry, Masdar has been a key player in the development, commercialisation and deployment of clean energy technologies and solutions Our experience has been very positive so far. Developing a wind power project as large as Čibuk 1 demands experts with different technical backgrounds, project experience and skills. Serbia has shown that

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War I “If we leave them alone - Bosnia-Herzegovina, Republika Srpska, Macedonia, Albania, all those countries — we will have war again.” – JEAN-CLAUDE JUNCKER, PRESIDENT OF EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT

REGIONAL NEWS HUNGARY

OTP TO ACQUIRE UNITS OF SOCIÉTÉ GÉNÉRALE IN BULGARIA AND ALBANIA

ROMANIA

IMPORTS WORTH €40.2BLN IN FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR Romania’s imports totaled €40.2bln in the first half of this year and food imports had a share of 8.2% of the total amount.

Food imports thus reached a record value of €3.3bln, double compared to the value recorded in the first half of 2008, according to Mediafax calculations.

Food exports amounted to €2.2 billion in the first six months of this year. Thus, the deficit on this segment reached €1.08 billion, which is also a record.

Despite a relatively good year for local agriculture, local producers haven’t been able to keep up with the growing demand for food. Food retail sales went up by 7% in the first half of this year, data from the National Statistics Institute (INS) shows.

Last month OTP Bank announced it had agreed to buy a 99.74% stake in the Bulgarian unit and an 88.89% shareholding in the Albanian unit of Franceʼs Société Générale Group. Société Générale Expressbank has a market share of about 6.7%, making it Bulgariaʼs seventh-biggest bank. OTP will make the acquisition in Bulgaria through its local unit DSK Bank, the countryʼs second-biggest bank, national news agency MTI reported.

DSK Bank had total assets of about BGN 12.4 billion at the end of last year, while Société Générale Expressbank had total assets of around BGN 7 bln, earnings reports released by the lenders show. In a separate disclosure, OTP said it agreed to acquire an 88.89% stake in Banka Société Générale Albania, which has a market share of close to 6% and is the fifth-largest bank on the market. OTP expects to close both transactions in Q4 2018, pending regulatory approval.

In addition to the transactions, OTP said it is in talks with Société Générale on entering into a services agreement on providing mutual services in Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia and Hungary. These services would include, but not be limited to, investment banking, capital markets, financing and global transaction banking.

BULGARIA

BEEKEEPERS REPORT LOWER HONEY PRODUCTION Bulgarian beekeepers across the country report significantly lower honey production compared with past seasons, Petya Ivanova, chair of the National Association of Women Beekeepers, told Focus Radio - Veliko Tarnovo.

At the beginning of the year producers expected high yields but the bad weather and mass poisoning of bees with pesticides had led to these poor results. In some regions the losses are over 50%,” said Petya Ivanova, chair of the National Association of Women Beekeepers. “In the regions of Pleven, Vratsa and Varna the honey yield from acacia and rapeseed was going well but at the time when the rape started blooming, many bees died from poisoning,” Ivanova said, adding that this is now happening every year. Poor weather conditions have also contributed to low yields, she commented, “I’m talking about yield of 4-5 kg per beehive, whereas in previous years it reached over 25 kg.”

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10 WAYS

HOW TO OVERCOME THE POST-VACATION BLUES Whether you soaked up the sun abroad or spent your holiday on a, it’s always difficult to return to work after your summer holiday.

So, take a look at the things which are bound to happen when returning to work after your summer holiday, and see which apply to you!

1. You don’t recognise yourself in formal clothes; 2. You take a wrong turn on your way in – you’ve forgotten your route!

3. Everyone compliments you on your tan; 4. You have no idea what your boss is talking about; 5. You’re drowning in work from two weeks ago; 6. Your attention wavers, so you glug down your fifth cup of coffee; 7. You fumble your way through your afternoon meeting; 8. Clocking-off time arrives and you just about survived; 9. Once you get home, you begin crying at the sight of your holiday snaps on Facebook; 10 You set your alarm again.

War II “Correcting borders will definitely avoid Kosovo’s partition, swapping territories, more crises or problems, or even possibly a new war.” – HASHIM THACI, PRESIDENT OF KOSOVO CROATIA

CROATIAN SMARTPHONE NOA N10 WINS EISA BEST BUY AWARD NOA Element N10 smartphone from Croatia has won the prestigious EISA Best Buy Smartphone 2018-2019 award. This smartphone has been presented to the EISA Mobile Devices group on the 23rd of May 2018 in Antwerpen, Belgium, where an EISA press convention was held, with companies from all over the world presenting their new products.

EISA (Expert Imaging and Sound Association) has members in 30 countries located in Europe, Australia, United States, and recently new members from Canada, Japan, India and Hong Kong/China. For over 35 years this organization has chosen the best consumer electronics every year. Over 50 special interest magazines, covering aspects such as audio, video, home cinemas, auto, photo and mobile technologies decide which devices will be the recipients of EISA awards. Members of the Mobile Devices group are editors of tech magazines from 11 countries: Bulgaria, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Greece, Croatia, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Serbia, Spain, and Sweden. NOA N10 has been recognized as a device that offers the best user value in regards to the price/quality ratio.

It has won the global EISA Best Buy Smartphone award in stiff competition with other smartphone manufacturers such as Huawei, LG, Honor, Nokia, Samsung, which have also entered the EISA award competition.

FYR MACEDONIA

MONTENEGRO

GERMAN WPD SUPPORTIVE OF WIND FARM CONSTRUCTION IN BUDVA, BAR German WPD is looking to support the wind farm construction in Budva and Bar. Vjetroelektrana Budva company has submitted a request for opening a tendering procedure for the construction of a wind farm in Brajići in the Budva and Bar municipalities. What is now expected is the public invitation of bids that competent Montenegrin ministries will prepare.

Vjetroelektrana Budva is offering to build a 75 MW wind farm and invest more than €100 million. WPD EUROPE GmbH, a subsidiary of German renewable energy company WPD AG, owns 80% of Vjetroelektrana Budva, while 20% is in the hands of a Montenegrin resident, the Montenegrin Central Registry of Business Entities’ data shows, Balkan Green Energy News read. Since there is strong investor interest in the construction of RES facilities “without incentives for generated electricity” as the Economy Ministry has told the government, the Source: IBNA leadership accepted the authorisation for public invitation of bids.

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

ARTIFICIAL LAKE ON JAHORINA - NEW TOURIST OPPORTUNITY The works on the construction of artificial lake at the top of the Olympic mountain of Jahorina, are in their final stage. From the Olympic Center in Jahorina was announced that the lake should be put into operation from October. The value of this project is estimated at 9.500.000 BAM (€4.9mln) and it includes the construction of artificial snowing system with a water accumulation of almost 75,000 cubic meters and a water reservoir for filling the accumulation with the arrangement of ski-trails within the six-seaters Ogorjelica I and Poljice according to FIS standards. The project also includes the construction of a wind power plant on these trails. The artificial lake will be 14 meters deep and with a diameter of around 600 meters, which will be enough for the supply of the artificial snowing system throughout the season.

KOMERCIJALNA BANKA, ALBANIA’S BALFIN TO BUY TIRANA BANK

ALBANIA

Macedonia’s Komercijalna Banka and Albanian investment group Balfin have signed a binding agreement to acquire Albania’s Tirana Bank from Greece’s Piraeus Bank, where Balfin will own a majority stake in Tirana Bank.

Balfin and Komercijalna Banka will focus on strengthening Tirana Bank’s reputation, allowing the lender to expand its operations in Albania.

Established in 1996, Tirana Bank was the first private bank to start operations in Albania. It operates 39 branches and 71 ATMs across the country.

Including the investment in Tirana Bank, Balfin’s investment portfolio totals €1.2 billion, with investments in Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Austria and the United Kingdom.

Komercijalna Banka is Macedonia’s largest lender, with assets in excess of €1.7 billion. The deal is subject to approval from the respective regulators.

Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air said it will add new routes from Kosovo’s Pristina to Mulhouse, Munich and Dortmund, as well as a service from Albania’s Tirana to Dortmund. Starting October 30, flights from Pristina to Munich Memmingen will be serviced three times per week - on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

The route from Tirana to Dortmund will be offered two times a week - on Tuesdays and Saturdays. A third weekly flight will be added on Thursdays during winter peak. Wizz Air’s new service from Pristina to Mulhouse and Dortmund will be also offered three times per week - on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, starting November 20 and December 15, respectively.

WIZZ AIR TO ADD NEW ROUTES FROM PRISTINA TO TIRANA

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DRAGIĆ KARAKLIĆ, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC COMPANY “NATIONAL PARK TARA”

Nature’s Treasure Trove In addition to naturalists, Tara is also being explored increasingly by archaeologists

monuments. How is your cooperation with other institutions in maintaining such a complex of nature and history?

T

he basic phenomenon of our National Park is represented by forests that cover 80 per cent of this protected area and are among the most well-preserved, highest-quality and most productive in Europe, says Dragić Karaklić, Director of National Park Tara

What distinguishes National Park Tara from other national parks in Serbia?

Tara National Park is a treasure trove of nature and a habitat for numerous species from the distant past. Standing out in particular are the Serbian spruce (Picea omorika) and Serbian grasshopper (Pyrgomorphula serbica), while it should also be emphasised that this area represents the most important habitat for bears and wild goat in Serbia. However, the main phenomenon of this national park is the forests that cover 80 per cent of this protected area and are among the most wellpreserved, best-quality and most productive in Europe. Moreover, Tara also has significant cultural and historical monuments, the most famous of which are the Stećci medieval tombstones that are listed by UNESCO and Rača Monastery, which is a 13th century endowment of King Dragutin.

Apart from its rich nature, Tara is also abundant in significant cultural and historical

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Diverse natural and cultural heritage requires special care from the state and managers, along with a multidisciplinary scientific approach. However, for many years Tara was only explored by “naturalists”, i.e. experts from the Faculty of Forestry and Biology, the Institute for Nature Protection of Serbia, the Natural History Museum, the

We are currently affirming NP Tara at the international level through extremely successful cooperation with renowned Hungarian photographers and the Photography Association of Serbia

Geological Institute and other institutions.

However, since 2006 there has also been archaeological research conducted here in cooperation with the Department of Archaeology at the Faculty of Philosophy in Belgrade, followed by the National Museum from Belgrade and Užice, the National Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments and other institutions. It should be noted that, in cooperation with the Ethnographic Museum, we implemented a project of ethnological research in the wider area of National Park Tara, with the aim of researching and preserving this rich tradition.

One of our important tasks is to promote the values of National Park Tara in domestic and international frameworks, so we have begun working in cooperation with the Faculty of Applied Arts in Belgrade to create a new visual identity for the park.

We are currently affirming NP Tara at the international level through the realising of extremely successful cooperation with renowned Hungarian photographers and the Photography Association of Serbia.

With master photographer Béla Szabó in 2012, along with the help and support of the Tourist Organisation of Serbia and the Institute for Nature Conservation, we launched the Photo-safari “Tara” promotional event, which is being realised in continuity, and the photographs have been exhibited at numerous exhibitions in the region.

Last year saw NP Tara and NP Black Canyon of Gunison from Colorado sign a five-year Cooperation Agreement. What kind of results has this cooperation yielded to date and what are plans like?

The agreement envisages the exchange of knowledge, experiences, technologies and employees from different fields – from the management of natural resources, via the monitoring of rare species, the development of educational programmes and planning in the domain of tourism, all the way to mutual promotion. Modalities of cooperation and priority areas have so far been considered, while cooperation is expected to achieve full effect as of next year.

On the basis of this cooperation, we also launched an initiative for twinning with Bajina Bašta and Montrose, the two cities that rely on these two national parks.

MIRKO BUTULIJA, PRESIDENT OF THE AUTO-MOTO ASSOCIATION OF SERBIA (AMSS)

Advancing Safety On The Roads Of Serbia Foreign clubs have recognised joint efforts and shown confidence in AMSS, advising their members at the beginning of the season a safe transit through Serbia

A

t the beginning of 2018 the membership-payment card from the DINA card system was distributed, with which members receive discounts on goods and services from AMSS’s “Pay & Save” programme.

This model is unique on our market. Representing new developments during 2018 as well, this programme pays special attention to adequate presentation and enabling benefits to expand further, says AMSS President Mirko Butulija.

AMSS last year recorded progress in the standardisation of its service package.

What new additions did you bring to the Serbian market?

The Auto-moto Association of Serbia, in accordance with its decades-long tradition, enjoys the great trust of drivers throughout Serbia. We continually improve our own capacities. During last year and this year as well, a significant contribution was provided by the number of members who joined us via the web shop, which significantly eased the process of joining and improved the efficiency of processing membership applications. During the same period, cooperation has intensified with partners who distribute SMS membership, and as such this channel will also be developed for new members in the period ahead,

as well as for renewals of membership among existing active members. At the beginning of 2018 the membership card from the DINA payment card system was distributed, with which members receive discounts on goods and services from the AMSS “Pay & Save” programme through refunds to their bank accounts via card,

With a view to the examples of partners from European Union countries, we are planning to develop a so-called family package, which will familiarise members of family households with the possibilities of utilising benefits

totalling the amount of the discount. This model is unique on our market. Representing new developments during 2018 as well, this programme pays special attention to adequate presentation and enabling benefits to expand further.

What results were yielded by new measures to deal with unauthorised tow trucks that represented a problem for you previously?

AMSS, in accordance with its competencies and jurisdictions, and in cooperation with the Interior Ministry, has exerted great efforts to counteract the falsely representing tow trucks, and to ensure

the provision of regular assistance to all drivers in transit through our country in the event of a breakdown. Foreign clubs have recognised joint efforts and shown confidence in AMSS at the beginning of the season by advising their members, whose safety is their top priority, a safe transit through Serbia. Such confirmation of cooperation with foreign clubs during the peak of preparations for the tourist season was of great importance not only for members of foreign clubs, but also for members of AMSS and drivers in general.

Trust in AMSS is constantly on the rise.

How many members do you currently have and what are your plans for the future?

The development of membership, promotions and increasing the number of members from the current level of around 100,000 are among AMSS’s basic priorities. In that sense, and with a view to the examples of partners from European Union countries, we are planning to develop a socalled family package, which will familiarise members of family households with the possibilities of utilising benefits. On the other hand, we are also devising models for expanding membership benefits by extending current limits on membership benefits, creating additional packages and advantages. Digitalisation and converging membership are also among AMSS’s main development priorities. Constant work will be undertaken to improve the current mobile application, member accessibility and efforts to provide high-quality information to members in every way.

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Digital “Digital transformation is as important as oxygen: all digital creatures, great and small, need it.” – MAX YOUNG, CEO, ALUMNI OF THE LOMBARDI COMPANY AND PEGASYSTEMS

WORLD NEWS INDIA

ONLINE RETAIL, A $50-BN BUSINESS

NORWAY

ROBOTS TO DELIVER LETTERS AND PACKAGES The post office has just received its first letter and package robot. Later this fall, it will deliver letters and packages to people in Kongsberg. The robot is the first of its kind, and the idea is that it may almost replace the mailbox. The plan is that it will drive out from the warehouse on its own in the evening, and that people will be notified that their mail on its way to their area. Thus, they can choose when and where they want to pick it up. The letter and package delivery robot has been developed in partnership with Buddy Mobility, which is located in California, but has a Norwegian entrepreneur.

According to a joint report by Bain and Company, Google and Omidyar Network, the India’s online retail market is a $50 billion opportunity waiting to be realised. In 2017, online retail in India clocked $20 billion in sales. While this paled in comparison to the US ($459 billion) and China ($935 billion), India exhibited highest growth in online spending among major economies.

Indian online shoppers spent an average of $224 in 2017, which was less than a tenth of what the average user spent online in the US at $2,237 in the same year. But while the US online sales’ compound annual growth rate (CAGR) was 14 per cent in the five years to 2017, India’s growth was five times higher at a CAGR of 70 per cent.

The report showed that of the 390 million active Internet users in India, only 40 per cent (160 million) transacted online. Of this, about 140 million were from relatively affluent backgrounds, alluding to the fact online retail still isn’t a mass phenomenon in the country.

UAE

UAE-BASED BILLIONAIRE OPENS JOBS FOR FILIPINOS

YUSUFF ALI

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UAE-based billionaire retail tycoon Yusuff Ali M.A. is looking to pump further investments into the Philippines and create at least 2,000 more jobs.

The Indian entrepreneur who operates 150 LuLu hypermarkets in the UAE and across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and Egypt. intends to make a further investment of $100 million in setting up a food processing unit and a hypermarket in the Asian country.

The new business venture, MAY Exports Philippines Inc., has created hundreds of jobs and will be primarily engaged in the sourcing, storing, packing and exporting of fruits, vegetables and other commodities from the Philippines to the Middle East.

Yusuff Ali is currently ranked the 388th richest billionaire in the world by Forbes,with the net worth of $4.2 billion.

WORLD

WINNERS AND LOSERS FROM TURKISH CRISIS Traders love a crisis. A crisis tends to create volatility, which creates the opportunity to make larger sums of money by betting on price moves. It’s no different with the Turkey situation.

According to Bloomberg the biggest win so far is at Deutsche Bank, where a group of fixed income traders made a profit of $S35 million in less than two weeks. The traders, who trade from a desk “focused on central and eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa,” made as much as $10 million in a single day on August 10, which saw the biggest fall in the Turkish lira.

Prior to the lira’s slump, the team had positioned itself to profit from falling asset prices across the region, although it is not believed that they had placed any trades specifically focused on the Turkish crisis.

Bloomberg also reports that a senior trader at Barclays lost around $19 million over the course of three days trading Turkish bonds. That figure is relatively small in the grand scheme of Barclays’ emerging market corporate fixed-income trading operation, from which the bank makes revenues of around $100 million per year.

Betterment and Wealthfront are two of the most popular online investment platforms in the US and both top 10 holders of the Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets exchangetraded fund. The fund makes up as much as 15% of some portfolios on Betterment.

The Vanguard ETF has lost more than 7% of its value since the start of August.

Comparison “Keeping people in a continual state of anxiety, anger, fear, or just haunted by an inescapable, nagging sense that everyone else is better off than they are can be very profitable.” – JUDITH DONATH, FELLOW AT HARVARD’S BERKMAN CENTRE GREAT BRITAIN

PAY FOR BRITAIN’S TOP BOSSES RISES 23 PER CENT Pay packages for the bosses of Britain’s 100 biggest listed firms rose 23 per cent over the past year, fuelled by payouts for the CEOs of house builder Persimmon and industrial firm Melrose Industries, a survey showed.

Excessive corporate pay has attracted public anger since the financial crisis and Prime Minister Theresa May has denounced the gap between the amounts paid to bosses and average workers as irrational and unhealthy.

The survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and the High Pay Centre thinktank showed the average income for chief executives of companies in the FTSE 100 share index. FTSE was 5.7 million pounds in their financial year ending in 2017, up 23 per cent from the previous year. The increase far exceeds the 2.5 per cent increase in average (mean) salaries for British workers to 29,009 pounds, according to the Office for National Statistics. The CIPD report said the mean figure was skewed by very large payouts to the bosses of house builder Persimmon and Melrose Industries. Excluding these two chief executives would bring the mean single figure down from 5.7 million pounds to 4.8 million pounds, still representing a 6 per cent increase from the previous year. The highest paid CEO in the financial year ending 2017 was Persimmon’s Jeff Fairburn, who received 47.1 million pounds, more than 20 times his pay in 2016, largely due to a long-term incentive plan dating back to 2012.

BELARUS

HUNDRED STORES TO OPEN IN CHINA One hundred stores of Belarusian goods will open in the biggest cities of China before the end of 2018.

The opening ceremony of the store of Belarusian goods in Guiyang took place on August 16 under the Belarus Commodity Center, which brand has been developed by China’s Guangdong Xinjinlai Trade from Guangdong Province. This store has become the second in the network. Before the end of 2018, the company plans to open 100 stores of Belarusian goods in the largest cities of China.

An agreement was also reached to place Belarusian alcohol products within the well-known network of Chinese stores Moutai. The company has already opened its representative office in Belarus to purchase Belarusian products, check the quality of products and organize supply logistics.

RUSSIA

RUSSIA’S MOST EXPENSIVE BRANDS Sberbank is recognized as the most expensive Russian brand. Its value surged 18% annually to 670.4 bln rubles ($10 bln), Brand Finance SBERBANK CENTRAL OFFICE consultancy says in its annual review. It is followed by Gazprom and Lukoil. Gazprom’s brand value rose by 5% to 320.8 bln rubles ($4.8 bln). Lukoil’s brand value lost 1% and totals 281.1 bln rubles ($4.2 bln).

Rosneft’s brand is ranked fourth with the value of 203.9 bln ($3 bln), up 13% in annual terms. Russian Railways are at the fifth position, with the brand value soaring 35% annually to 159 bln rubles ($2.4 bln). The brand value of the Magnit retailer on the sixth place lost 5% over the last year and amounts to 145.2 bln rubles ($2.2 bln). It is followed by VTB (117.6 bln rubles ($1.8 bln, +11%), MTS (114.5 bln rubles ($1.7 bln), +23%), Tatneft (97.3 bln rubles ($1.4 bln), +9%) and Pyaterochka (91.2 bln rubles ($1.3 bln), whose brand Source: TASS value surged 27% year-on-year.

PWC

HOW WILL THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC ORDER CHANGE BY 2050?

PWC’s report sets out our latest long-term global growth projections to 2050 for 32 of the largest economies in the world, accounting for around 85% of world GDP. Key results of PWC analysis include: • The world economy could more than double in size by 2050, far outstripping population growth, due to continued technology-driven productivity improvements • Emerging markets (E7) could grow around twice as fast as advanced economies (G7) on average • As a result, six of the seven largest economies in the world are projected to be emerging economies in 2050 led by China (1st), India (2nd) and Indonesia (4th) • The U.S. could be down to third place in the global GDP rankings while the EU27’s share of world GDP could fall below 10% by 2050 • UK could be down to 10th place by 2050, France out of the top 10 and Italy out of the top 20 as they are overtaken by faster growing emerging economies like Mexico, Turkey and Vietnam respectively • But emerging economies need to enhance their institutions and their infrastructure significantly if they are to realise their long-term growth potential

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Entrepreneurs JOHN PAUL DEJORIA

From Homeless

To Billionaire John Paul DeJoria is the founder of tequila maker Patron Spirits Co. and cofounder of hair care company John Paul Mitchell Systems. He slept in his car and sold shampoo door-to-door before he teamed up with Paul Mitchell in 1980 and turned $700 into John Paul Mitchell Systems. In 1989 DeJoria and partner Martin Crowley acquired a stake in boutique tequila maker Patron and have grown it to sales of more than $800 million 40

September

JOHN PAUL DEJORIA AND HIS DAUGHTER ALEXIS

It’s not often that a homeless person living out of his car can dramatically alter his circumstances and become a billionaire. But John Paul DeJoria — co-founder of hair-care company John Paul Mitchell Systems and high-end Patrón Spirits — did just that. The 73-year-old now has a net worth of $3.1 billion, according to Forbes. His climb out of poverty reads like a tale from a Charles Dickens’ novel.

The onetime door-to-door shampoo and encyclopedia salesman partnered with Paul Mitchell in 1980, and the two turned $700 into one of the most profitable hair-care companies in the world. Not too long after their company took off, Mitchell died of cancer and DeJoria took over. Today the company generates $1 billion in annual revenues. His tequila company is also a megahit. Patrón tequila is made in Mexico in a sustainable distilling facility that uses recycled bottles and leftover distilled water to fertilize the

I have been so down and out in my life. It makes me feel really good to be financially blessed and give back. I get great joy and a great high out of it. It’s my way of paying rent on this planet to share with others less fortunate land. Now more than 2 million cases are sold each year.

But DeJoria doesn’t measure his success in terms of dollars and cents. For the iconic entrepreneur it’s not about money and power. As he sums it up: “I have been so down and out in my life. It makes me

feel really good to be financially blessed and give back. I get great joy and a great high out of it. It’s my way of paying rent on this planet to share with others less fortunate.”

The billionaire remembers giving a dime to the Salvation Army when he was six years old and living in Los Angeles. His mom told him, ‘You may be poor, but there are so many people less fortunate than you, and every little bit helps.’

“Those words have always stuck with me,” DeJoria recalls.

That philanthropic passion led DeJoria to sign Bill Gates and Warren Buffett’s “The Giving Pledge” in 2011 to give half of his earnings to better the world. In addition, he established JP’s Peace Love & Happiness Foundation as a hub for his charitable donations to causes that reflect the core values of his companies: saving the environment, helping the poor and protecting animal rights.

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Entrepreneurs

Through his foundation, he has raised millions of dollars to support more than 160 charities around the world. They include Grow Appalachia, a program that provides seed and tools to help poor families in six states throughout central Appalachia grow their own food to combat malnutrition; and Sea Shepherd, a marine wildlife conservation society that confronts illegal poaching and destruction of wildlife in the world’s oceans.

This Thanksgiving he visited Mobile Loaves & Fishes’ Community First Village in Austin, Texas, where they are building an innovative housing model that helps the

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homeless learn skills, earn income and get affordable housing.

So how did DeJoria maintain motivation and build such an expansive empire?

He says there were three rules he followed on his path to success.

Rule No. 1: Always be prepared for rejection.

Throughout your career you are going to run across rejection, DeJoria points out. “You will knock on doors, and many will close on you. There will be people who don’t like your product, your company — or you.” It’s important you realize this from the day you launch your business. “To be successful, you must remain as confident and enthusiastic on door No. 59 as you were on door No. 1.”

If you realize this is going to happen, the rejection won’t hit you so hard. It will help you be resilient, he explains.

Rule No. 2: Make sure your product or service is the best it can be.

DeJoria is adamant: “Always remember you don’t want to be in the product business.

You want to be in the reorder business.” As he explains, Work hard to develop a worldclass product consumers want. That kind of thinking gives you a better shot at being a JOHN PAUL DEJORIA AND PAUL MITCHELL success.

Rule No. 3: Doing good is good for you — and your business.

“If a business wants to stay in business, it cannot just think of today’s bottom “By helping others, you are line,” says DeJoria. It must make a company commitment to help others immediately. creating future customers “By helping others, you are creating future and inspiring employee customers and inspiring employee loyalty,” loyalty,” he explains. he explains. “Customers like to be involved “Customers like to be with people and businesses that donate their time to help others, save the planet and make involved with people and a difference.” businesses that donate Demonstrating that point, DeJoria notes their time to help others, that since he started Paul Mitchell in 1980, save the planet and make a His total employee turnover has been less than 100, and two of those workers retired. difference.”

PROFILE

Culture Is A Finite Resource This year marks half a century since I came to Belgrade. My path took me to the Youth Centre and Cinema Club Belgrade, a place where you could do a lot of things that couldn’t be done elsewhere

RADOSLAV ZELENOVIĆ, DIRECTOR OF THE AUDIO-VISUAL ARCHIVE AND THE SANU CENTRE FOR DIGITISATION

I

was soon selected to be the editor of the film programme. Two programmes of the newly-launched FEST found their place in our film programme, Youth Forum and the widely-renowned ‘Vidici’ [Perspectives]. Everything with the Youth Centre started in 1971 and ended in 1979. And it was that year when I started working at Television Belgrade. Two programmes and everything that you conceive and implement is watched by the whole of Yugoslavia. It was then that we launched the third channel.

At the beginning of the 1990s I no longer felt good in TV. I was suspended several times for things that had nothing to do with the programming, so I left. I went to the Yugoslav Cinematheque Film Archives, which were in great trouble during that time. It was in that same year of 1992 that I also founded, together with Blažo Perović, the International Film Festival in Palić. That festival is this year commemorating its 25th anniversary, while last year it was proclaimed the best film festival in Europe by the EU Commission.

The key word in my life is risk. It was long ago that I heard that it’s bad to remember

life on the basis of the risks you didn’t take.

I mostly took mine, including this last one. I am the director of the Audio-visual Archive and the Centre for the Digitisation of the SANU Building. An offer from SANU President Vlada Kostić is something that isn’t rejected.

My idea was to dedicate myself to arranging the building and writing a book, primarily about the time I spent at the Cinematheque, which I was the director of for 24 years. Some periods were extremely

I’m particularly proud of the fact that I protected and preserved the Cinematheque, this precious institution of world repute, from politicisation and financial scandals

difficult, but those of us who worked at the Cinematheque during that time were aware that we were preserving the world’s cultural heritage recorded on film, which you only become aware of being a finite resource once it is gone. Cultural goods are a non-renewable resource, and that fact is

what prevented us for years from sinking, to ensure we didn’t drown.

The archive has been completely restored.

Through the European Commission for Reconstruction and Development, we received the Centre for Digitisation, which serves the entire region. We saved tens and hundreds of films from destruction, increased the Archive by 22,000 new copies of films, which represents one medium-sized European cinematheque, found the first Serbian film after eighty years – the Life and Work of Immortal Leader Karađorđe. We completely reconstructed the most important place for screening films in our country, the famous Kosovska 11, established the Golden Seal of the Cinematheque and, after many years, reconstructed the new building at Uzun Mirkova 1.

That struggle lasted the longest, from 1995 to 2011. At one point they took the building from us in order to turn it into a “department store for branded goods, because that was more profitable for the state”. Today this is a building with three cinema halls, two galleries displaying objects from the prehistory and history of film, its own library and a huge hemeroteca library of newspapers and periodicals. This venue was declared at a contest in London in 2011 as the most beautiful space of any cultural institution in Europe.

I tried to be as independent as possible, but that was neither easy nor simple.

Finally, what I’m particularly proud of is the fact that I protected and preserved this precious institution of world repute from politicisation and financial scandals.

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Art/Exhibitions African Art Boom

NIGERIAN LAOULU SEBANJO

Modest Yet

Impressive

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Africa has undergone what the global art world has described as an “art boom” over the last few years.

This has led to international interest in contemporary African art, shifting the focus away from naive art and collected ancient artefacts, and has generated enough interest to see the emergence of institutions like Cape Town’s Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa

M

any artists started working together to earn money by paint backdrops for a theatre company.

They joined forces to buy supplies and, ultimately, a house, formally founding the collective in 2013.

Some of them are energised by the art world’s interest in what young African artists are producing, while they’re also painfully aware of how hard it is to become an internationally recognsed name, like Wangechu Mutu and other Kenyan artists who are building their profiles. This is especially so because the East African art scene is modest compared to the well-established scene of South Africa, or the quickly growing art space of Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal.

Contemporary African artists have gained more visibility at international fairs like Art Basel, while auction sales have reached record highs. In 2015, for example, South African fine art auctioneers Strauss & Co. sold Ghanaian sculptor El Anatsui’s Al Haji for $186,781, while his 2015 work Zata fetched $77,000 at Lagos’s Arthouse Contemporary Art Auction, according to the 2015 Africa Art Market report.

Among Africa’s big earners are well-known artists like South Africa’s William Kentridge or modern artists of the early and late 20th century, like Irma Stern, Gerard Sekoto, Malick Sidibé and Keïta Seydou, pioneering photographers who were only recognised late in their careers. This boom has not yet trickled down to younger artists, but it has helped with their visibility.

“It’s easier to get your work out there,” consider staff at South Africa’s Stevenson Gallery, which represents several African artists. They explain that this boom is also reflected in the amount of coverage African contemporary art now receives.

ESTHER MAHLANGU WITH HER BMW ARTCAR AT THE BRITISH MUSEUM

Contemporary African artists have gained more visibility at international fairs like Art Basel, while auction sales have reached record highs That attention has led to increased support for local artists, as well as an increasing number of art collectors from the continent.

The world is starting to pay attention, but regardless of much the world is waking up to the continent’s creative minds, it is still the established artists who get notice. It’s not just the outside world, though. As Africa’s economic prospects have improved, wealthy Africans have started becoming collectors, especially corporations, ac-

cording to the art market report. Multinationals that are setting up shop in Nairobi are eager to hang local art in their lobbies and boardrooms, boosting artists’ earnings.

Locals, however, need more convincing about Kenya’s fine art. The Brush Tu artists all lament the ubiquity of batik prints — “all from the same print” — and local markets that favour curios more than art. And then there are the tourists, who always want an animal in the picture.

“Our art has been dismissed as European, we have been told that we’ve been colonised”, claim the majority of African artists, arguing that contemporary art’s wide field of interpretation has meant that their work is left out of what local collectors believe African art should look like.

While the collective allows them all to pursue art as a fulltime occupation, earning recognition at home has proved difficult.

That’s why much of their energy in the last few years has been channelled toward making the

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Art/Exhibitions African Art Boom

KUDZANAI CHIURAI: MOYO

IBRAHIM EL-SALAHI: REBORN SOUND OF CHILDHOOD DREAMS

MARY SIBANDE’S HER MAJESTY QUEEN SOPHIE

According to the Africa Art Market report, a quarter of the continent’s artists are trained in workshops or cooperatives like Brush Tu. The majority (62%) have attended formal art school, while 13% are self-taught

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GEOFFREY MUKASA (UGANDAN) SEVEN FACES

most of Brush Tu’s presence at the annual Kenya Art Fair in Nairobi. Art fairs around the world have changed the art industry, bringing thousands of buyers directly to galleries over the course of just a few days. In Africa, art fairs like the Turbine Art Fair in Johannesburg and Art X Lagos have introduced budding artists to new first-time buyers. At the very least, art fairs educate the public about contemporary art.

“Imagine how it is to introduce yourself as an artist and to be asked what song you sing,” says Elias Mong’ora, who held a solo exhibition

at Nairobi’s Polka Dot Gallery last month. The 25-year-old moved to Nairobi in 2011 and sought out the art collective. Until then he’d relied on YouTube as a teacher. According to the Africa Art Market report, a quarter of the continent’s artists are trained in workshops or cooperatives like Brush Tu. The majority (62%) have attended formal art school, while 13% are self-taught.

The collective has also set up residencies of their own, instead of waiting for an international programme to set them up. With the help of the Danish Embassy, they’ve set up Air Brush, a

International interest is evident in the rising number of visitors, sponsors and collectors attending art fairs like Art X Lagos or museums like the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa

KOFI AGORSOR GALLOPING INFLATION

LAOULU SEBANJO: DREAMSCAPE THE DISTANT GAZE BY ETHIOPIAN PHOTOGRAPHER AIDA MULUNEH

MODUPEOLA FADUGBA: FLOWERS AND PRAYERS II

three-month residency programme that has hosted Kenyan and other African artists, including the principal of the underfunded art school of several members of the collective right in Buruburu.

The enterprising art collective’s push has however paid off, with some of their work selling for a few thousand dollars and almost all of them having headlined a solo exhibition. It isn’t quite the price of more established artists, but it’s enough to make a living from. And like the house in Buruburu, it’s a modest start to what will likely be a lucrative career in the still emerging African art scene.

On over 600 pages, Visual Voices presents over 400 pieces by 57 different contemporary artists in Kenya, showcasing a vibrant, edgy and growing art scene. The artists in the collection use various methods, including painting, sculpture, mural, photography, glasswork and furniture, besides on-site installation projects.

This weighty book also presents art’s vital role in documenting the social, political and cul-

tural experiences of Kenya from the 1970s until today. The collection shows the changing tastes, styles and narratives—and, by extension, how the conversation about art and its function has shifted over time. Surrealist swirling dreamscapes, semi-impressionistic paintings and sculptures made of discarded wood and sheets of scrap metal all combine to testify to a level of artistic sophistication that has evolved consistently and upwardly over the decades.

Over the last few years, Kenya has cashed in on the “art boom” that Africa has been experiencing, especially in major cities like Lagos and Cape Town. International interest is evident in the rising number of visitors, sponsors, and collectors attending art fairs like Art X Lagos or museums like the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa.

Mahlangu is a distinguished painter whose work is based on the traditional and intricate paintings of South Africa’s Ndebele people. This 81-year-old artist was first introduced to the medium as a young girl, when women were responsible for painting the walls of their homes with bright colours. Mahlangu’s use of geometric shapes is a nod to the detailed beading and clothing typically worn by Ndebele women.

This isn’t the first time that Mahlangu’s work has featured on the international stage. In 1991, she designed a version of a BMW car for their “Art Car” exhibition, while in 2016 she was brought in again to design a model for the 7 Series. Mahlangu’s work has also been commissioned by the British Museum, the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington DC and Paris’s Centre de la Villette.

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FACES & PLACES

28/7/2018

27/7/2018

Centennial Of Serbia Day Marked

The exhibition “Kingdom of Serbia and the United States of America” at the Archives of Serbia in Belgrade comprises original documents, photos and press releases that follow the history of relations between Serbia and the United States of America.

“I hope America will respect the sovereignty, independence and freedom of Serbia, just as we respect the freedom, strength and independence of the United States,” said President Aleksandar Vučić on this occasion.

“We are marking the 100th Anniversary of the Serbian flag being flown over the White House, under President Woodrow Wilson, on July 28th 1918. Today, America fully supports Serbia’s priorities, its efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region,” said H.E. Kyle Scott, U.S. ambassador to Serbia.

PRESIDENT ALEKSANDAR VUČIĆ

Flag Hoisting Ceremony At The U.S. Residence

On the occasion of the celebration of the centennial of Serbia’s flag being flown over the White House, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Ivica Dačić, and U.S. Ambassador to Serbia H.E. Kyle Scott ceremoniously lofted Serbian and American flags at the U.S. ambassadorial residence in Belgrade.

“Serbia is committed to achievDPM DAČIĆ AND AMBASSADOR SCOTT ing regional peace and stability by making efforts to become part of a united, democratic Europe, and that is why the positive dynamics of bilateral relations with the United States are at the top of our foreign policy priorities,” said Dačić.

Ambassador Scott said that, with the symbolic raising of the Serbian flag, the U.S. wants to send a message to Serbia about its commitment to a mutual partnership. “Let’s take this opportunity to express once again our commitment to strengthening our relations and building upon the solid foundations we inherited from our ancestors,” said Scott.

AMBASSADOR KYLE SCOTT

AMBASSADOR MARUYAMA AND PM ANA BRNABIĆ AMBASSADOR AMR ALJOWAILY

27/7/2018

Marking Of The National Day Of Egypt

On the occasion of the National Day of Egypt and the 110th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Egypt and Serbia, the Embassy of Egypt in Serbia, headed by Ambassador H.E. Amr Aljowaily, hosted the performance ”Blue Elephant” by the Cairo Opera Modern Dance Troupe at Belgrade’s National Theatre.

“I am pleased to celebrate 110 years of very close diplomatic relations with this performance. We speak different languages, but there is one universal language all people understand, the language of culture, film, art, music,” said Ambassador Aljowaily. “National Day of Egypt is celebrated at home with friends and family, and since we couldn’t invite you to Egypt, we have brought Egypt to Serbia. This will be the first time that Cairo Opera House has visited Belgrade.”

Minister of Culture and Information Vladan Vukosavljević also addressed guests, saying “Serbia and Egypt share 110 years of friendship and diplomatic relations.

Recently, an exhibition was opened at the Historical Archives that explains the depth of our relations.” Heads of Mission and diplomats, as well as public figures from Belgrade life, attended the celebration of Egyptian National Day, enjoying this stunning ballet performance.

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31/7/2018

Relations Between Serbia And Japan On Ab Upward Trajectory

Prime Minister Ana Brnabić assessed during talks with Ambassador of Japan to Serbia Junichi Maruyama that bilateral political relations between Serbia and Japan are very good and are moving along an upward path, especially after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to Serbia this January.

Ambassador Maruyama thanked Prime Minister Brnabić, the government and citizens of Serbia for the help and support Serbia provided to Japan during the catastrophic floods that recently hit this country. Prime Minister Brnabić pointed out that the citizens of Serbia are sympathetic to the friendly people of Japan and recalled once again the unselfish help that the Government of Japan and Japanese citizens provided Serbia during the 2014 floods.

The interlocutors agreed that progress has been made in economic relations recently and concluded that there is increased interest among Japanese companies in doing business on the Serbian market and making new investments. It was concluded that economic cooperation should continue through the implementation of significant investment projects and the creation of new prospects for increasing the volume of the trade exchange.

SEE MORE: WWW.CORDMAGAZINE.COM

30/7/2018

Moroccan Embassy Marks Anniversary Of The Enthronement Of King Mohammed

The Embassy of Morocco in Belgrade, led by Ambassador H.E. Mohammed Amine Belhaj, celebrated Morocco’s National Enthronement Day on 30th July, which marks the 1999 coronation of reigning King Mohammed VI. To commemorate this occasion, Ambassador Amine Blahaj hosted a reception at Belgrade’s Metropol Palace Hotel. Following his opening address, the event’s many guests enjoyed traditional Moroccan music and exceptional food.

The reception was attended by representatives of the Serbian state and government, Crown-Prince Alexander Karađorđević and Princess Katherine, as well as many representatives of religious communities and the diplomatic corps, but also perAMBASSADOR AMINE BLAHAJ sonalities from the cultural and public life of Serbia.

2/8/2018

Swiss National Day Celebrated In Belgrade

The Embassy of Switzerland in Belgrade organised a 2nd August reception to commemorate the 727th anniversary of Switzerland.

H.E. Philippe Guex, Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation in Belgrade, and his spouse welcomed guests to the Swiss Ambassadorial Residence.

In his speech, Ambassador Guex said it is in Switzerland’s own interest to help Serbia address the challenges it faces, in order to ensure sustainable peace and lasting prosperity in the whole region.

Among guests were senior representatives of the Serbian Government, as well as many public figures, representatives of the diplomatic corps in Belgrade, members of the Swiss-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, friends and associates.

CorDćs special publication dedicated to Switzerland was presented on this occasion of the celebration of Swiss National Day. 8/8/2018

ASEAN Day 2018 Flag Rising Ceremony Held

AMBASSADOR GUEX AND URSULA LÄUBLI, DIRECTOR OF SWISS COOPERATION, WITH SPOUSES

In conjunction with the ASEAN Day 2018 and to celebrate the 51st Anniversary of the formation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a Flag Raising Ceremony was held at the Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in Belgrade. The event was co-hosted by the ASEAN Diplomatic Missions in Serbia, namely the Republic of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

The solemn ceremony was attended by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Heads of Missions and representatives from the embassies of the Asia Pacific countries and ASEAN Dialogue Partners and international organizations’ offices based in Belgrade.

In his speech on behalf of the Heads of ASEAN Diplomatic Missions in Serbia, Ambassador of Indonesia H.E. Harry Richard James Kandou highlighted ASEAN’s resolute in being resilience and innovative in managing challenges and seizing opportunities in the rapidly changing regional and global situation. He further emphasised ASEAN’s readiness in enhancing cooperation with its dialogue and external partners through various ASEAN-led mechanisms.

As the host for this year’s flag raising ceremony, Ambassador of Myanmar H.E. U Myo Aye expressed hopes that this annual commemoration of ASEAN Day in Belgrade would contribute in forging stronger ties and partnership between and among the ASEAN member countries, dialogue partners and external partners such as the Republic of Serbia in years to come.

September

49

FACES & PLACES 9/8/2018

Ambassador D’aes Pays Farewell Visit To PM Brnabić

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, received a farewell visit from Ambassador of Belgium to Serbia H.E. Leo D’aes, to whom she expressed gratitude for the successful cooperation and personal contribution to the improvement of the bilateral relations of our two countries.

Brnabić assessed the trend of improving political relations with Belgium, especially after the visit of Prime Minister Charles Mitchell to Serbia.

PM ANA BRNABIĆ AND AMBASSADOR D’AES Ambassador D’aes emphasised that Belgium will continue to support Serbia’s accession to the European Union and provide technical support in the areas of chapters 23 and 24 on the rule of law, the judiciary and the fight against organised crime.

Prime Minister Brnabić and Ambassador D’aes agreed that cooperation in the field of economy is the key to faster relations between the two countries, and expressed the expectation that in the future, new Belgian investments in Serbia will be implemented, following the example of multinational company Delhaize, that has successfully operated in Serbia for a longer period.

The Prime Minister conveyed gratitude to the Belgian ambassador for his commitment to creating stronger ties between the two countries, and wished him happiness in the future on a professional and personal level.

21/8/2018

73rd Indonesia Independence Day Celebrated

The Embassy of Indonesia, led by Ambassador H.E. Harry Richard James Kandou, held a celebratory reception to mark the 73rd Independence Day of this country. Members of the diplomatic corps and figures from Belgrade’s public life attended the celebration that provided the opportunity to enjoy Indonesian national heritage, from dance and music to tasteful delicacies.

“Within the Southeast Asia region, Indonesia along with other members of ASEAN, has worked hard over the past five decades to create and maintain a peaceful and prosperous region. Today ASEAN’s progress has been outstanding as peace and stability continue to flourish in the region,” said Ambassador Kandou in his address.

AMBASSADOR SYED ADIL GILANI

10/8/2018

70th Anniversary Of Pakistan-Serbia Diplomatic Relations

The Embassy of Pakistan and the Archives of Yugoslavia held an exhibition of historical documents and photographs covering the 70 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Yugoslavia, now Serbia.

The Exhibition was held in cooperation with the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Museum of Yugoslav History, the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Archives of Pakistan. The event started with the national anthems of the two countries, followed by speeches from the Director General of the Archives of Yugoslavia, Milan Terzić, Ambassador H. E. Syed Adil Gilani and Ms Tamara Rastovac, Deputy Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia.

The event was attended by senior officials of the Government of Serbia, ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps, members of civil society, prominent businesspeople, journalists and media personalities. Ambassador Syed Adil Gilani briefed the audience on the importance of the event, which formed part of celebrations of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. During the ceremony, Ambassador Gilani presented the Telstar 18, Made-in-Pakistan official football for the 2018 FIFA World Cup to the Director General of the Archives as a souvenir from Pakistan. A catalogue on this occasion was also published containing the exhibited photos and documents.

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September

AMBASSADOR HARRY KANDOU AND MRS KANDOU

plus

The Best Hotels For September Sun

After Summer Delights

The very best of Serbia, from foreigners who know

ZLATIBOR

Warm, welcoming and lots of fun – everything you never heard about Serbia is true. Exuding a feisty mix of elan and inat (national traits of rebellious defiance), this country doesn’t do ‘mild’: Belgrade rivals Berlin as a party destination, the northern city of Novi Sad hosts the epic EXIT festival, and even its hospitality is emphatic – expect to be greeted with rakija (fruit brandy) and a hearty three-kiss welcome AFTER SUMMER DELIGHTS

Welcome To Serbia

W

hile political correctness is about as commonplace as a smoke-free bar, Serbia is nevertheless a cultural crucible: the art nouveau city of Subotica revels in its proximity to Hungary, while the bohemian Niš echoes to the clippety-clop of Roma horse carts. In the mountainous regions of Kopaonik, Tara and Zlatibor, ancient traditions coexist with après-ski bling. Forget what you think you know: come and say zdravo (hello) or, better yet, živeli (cheers)!

Serbia is a land of surprises, many of them ready to dazzle and impress from the moment a visitor arrives. Others are less obvious or well known, like those wonderful places that only locals who live there know about.

For a little piece of tradition, head to the Zlatibor region to buy hand-knitted woollen clothing. Make sure to seek out the authentic Sirogojno Style produce – unfortunately, cheap imitations also abound and should be avoided. But the genuine article still adheres to a centuries-old production method, where local village women would protect themselves and their families for the long, cold winter by processing and dying their own wool with mountain herbs and barks, and knitting clothes inspired by the vivid colours of the mountain landscape they called home.

The most romantic place for foreigners to visit is Kaštel Ečka. Built in 1820 and inspired by English hunting lodges, this castle 3

today operates as a hotel. With its distinctive pinkish-red exterior, majestic park setting and choice of modern and medieval rooms, it is located just 60 kilometres north of Belgrade, in the village of Ečka.

For a different but no less impressive stay at a castle, head to Castle Fantast in the province of Vojvodina, located around 60 kilometres from the provincial capital of Novi Sad. Built in the early 1900s, it was constructed to display the wealth of owner Bogdan Dunđerski and demonstrate that, despite rumours to the contrary, he was not bankrupt.

It today serves as a hotel and restaurant.

The extensive grounds are open to the public,

EXIT FESTIVAL

as are the mausoleum (where the former owners are entombed), tennis courts, horse stables (once famed for producing some of the country’s best thoroughbreds), a small ostrich farm and a runway for light aircraft.

Whilst here, don’t miss the Church of St George and its painting of the Virgin Mary

KAŠTEL EČKA

by artist Uroš Predić. Legend has it that the Virgin’s face was changed to depict Mara Dinjacki, the blacksmith’s wife, who Dunđerski was apparently in love with.

Serbia today gains news headlines and feature article thanks to its astounding nature, vibrant cities, charming ethno villages, peculiar customs, friendly (and, let’s not kid ourselves, slightly crazy) people, world-class athletes and phenomenal festivals.

Apart from dubbing it the region’s emerging innovation hub and tourist destination, foreigners have a different approach and share their favourite locations in Serbia. Their list includes the likes of Perućac Lake, Kopaonik Mountain, Vrnjačka Banja, the Balkan Mountain (Stara planina), churches and monasteries, toffee apples, plums (and of course plum rakija), Pirot and Belgrade.

Speaking about Belgrade, visitors weren’t short of words to describes the colourful White City.

“Outspoken, adventurous, proud and audacious: Belgrade is by no means a ‘pretty’ capital, but its gritty exuberance makes it one of the most happening cities in Europe. While it hurtles towards a brighter future, its chaotic past unfolds before your eyes: socialist blocs

Serbia is a land of surprises, many of them ready to dazzle and impress from the moment a visitor arrives. Others are less obvious or well known; those wonderful places known only to those who live there

HOTEL MERKUR, VRNJAČKA BANJA

4

AFTER SUMMER DELIGHTS

GUČA TRUMPET FESTIVAL

about style or genre. It’s about people. About art. About time with friends, old and new…”

For all those of you who thought of Guča the second you read the word festival, here’s how some foreign guests experienced this mayhem of brass.

The Guča Festival has no curfew, few rules and a real sense of bacchanalia, as hundreds

The list of foreigners’ favourite places in Serbia includes Perućac lake, Kopaonik Mountain, Vrnjačka Banja, the Balkan Mountain (Stara planina), churches and monasteries, toffee apples, plums (and of course plum rakija), Pirot and Belgrade are squeezed between art nouveau masterpieces, while the remnants of the Habsburg legacy contrast with Ottoman relics.”

Foreigners can’t seem to wrap their heads around Serbian customs. For example, they found Serbian ideas of fun fascinating, so they simply had to show scenes from the World Gander Fighting Championships, held in the village of Mokrin north of Belgrade.

They also posted an article entitled “Serbia made a 7,500-pound sausage”, featuring a 6,600-foot-long sausage that was unveiled at the Kobasicijada Festival in Turija.

Apart from customs, Serbian festivals attract an amazing amount of attention. The

WORLD GANDER FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP, MOKRIN

Huffington Post described one of our most popular festivals, Exit, by starting with our people, noting that “the people are warm, affectionate, passionate and generous.”

Meanderbug continued with a heartwarming description of the very soul of Exit: “It’s not about nationality or race. It’s not even

CASTLE FANTAST AFTER SUMMER DELIGHTS

of musicians blast exotic eastern funk while everyone dances until they drop. […] The energy, the joy, the sheer gonzo exuberance that overtakes this hamlet across the weekend is incomparable to anything. Dancers leap on tables, jump off statues, bounce off walls, belly dancing to hard zigzagging rhythms, achieving ecstasy via neatly dressed brass orchestras and copious supplies of beer and meat.”

And, of course, Serbian cuisine ends up blowing your mind and leaving you wanting more, even when it comes to street food. UK newspaper The Guardian also had its say on this, writing: “It’s rural, country-style cooking. Puritans will say that good and proper pljeskavica can only come with cabbage salad or kajmak curd – a dairy product from the Balkan region that’s made by collecting milk curd and adding salt, it’s divine. Young, old, rich, poor, hipsters … We are all the same while queuing for pljeskavica.”

5

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Oases of luxury and health under the same roof!

CORPORATE

National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro

The Charm Of Mediterranean & Mountain Tourism This year has for Montenegrin tourism represented a year filled with satisfaction – outdoing the record year of 2017! Data for the first six months of 2018 show that about 609,000 guests visited Montenegro, which marks an increase of around 18% compared to 2017

A

bout three million overnight stays have been recorded, which also shows growth of 9%, again achieving new records. According to the official statistics of the Central Bank of Montenegro, tourism revenue generated in the first two quarters of 2018 represented an increase of 13%.

When it comes to collecting on residence tax, the budget’s revenues amounted - as of 26th August – to over a million euros, 8

BAR

which is about nine per cent higher compared to the same period of last year.

The most numerous tourists in Montenegro come from Serbia, other countries of the region and Russia, but an increase is also evident in the number of guests coming from Germany, Austria, France, Poland, Great Britain, Czechia, the Benelux countries and Scandinavia. Along with constant increases in the number

of guests from the countries of Western, Central and Northern Europe, there is also a growth trend among tourists from socalled “distant markets”, such as China, Japan, Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

Major tour operators, such as TUI, Thomas Cook, FTI, DerTouristik, Thomson, First Choice, Monarch Cosmos, Kuoni, Biblio and Globus feature Montenegro in their prgrammes, which has led to this more AFTER SUMMER DELIGHTS

www.montenegro.travel

SVETI STEFAN

diverse structure of guests and the arrival of tourists from new markets.

Tourist visits remained at last year’s level during July, while in August an average growth rate of two per cent was recorded.

The airports of Tivat and Podgorica are currently connected to over 50 destinations around the world, while this number is constantly on the rise. From the start of the year until 26th August, Montenegrin airports served about 1.7 million passengers – which is as many as 190,000 more than in the same period last year. Some 10,000 flights have been conducted, which is 1,000 more than last year.

In the last few years we’ve seen the leading hotel groups launch a wave of investment that has led to a rise in the quality of accommodation and significantly more hotels with 4 and 5 stars. In the first six months of 2018, 17 per cent more tourists stayed in hotels and accounted for 12% more overnight stays.

Alongside existing luxury and branded hotels, this summer saw the opening of top-class hotels Holiday Village Montenegro in Ulcinj, Allure Palazzi Kotor Bay Hotel by Karisma, Hotel Adriatic Iberostar in Perast and The Chedi Luštica Bay. Mountain tourism is recording significant growth in the overall tourism balance of Montenegro, while the linking of offers in the south and north also contributed to growth in visitor numbers. By mid-August, the national parks of Montenegro had been visited by almost 258,000 tourists, which is 28% more than during the same period last year.

AFTER SUMMER DELIGHTS

The most important project for the development of mountain tourism is construction of the highway, which will mark an historic turning point in infrastructure connections between the country’s north and south.

Also contributing to the popularity and positive image of the country are visits of global showbusiness stars, like the recent visits of Oprah Winfrey, David Beckham with his family, and others, as well as affirmative features on Montenegro by prestigious media companies, like the recent popular New York Times’ article.

“We are constantly working on new motives for the arrival of guests, especially during the pre-and post-season period. We believe that positive trends will continue until the end of the year and once again serve to confirm that Montenegro is today one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean,” says Željka Radak Kukavičić, director of the National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro, speaking for CorD magazine.

9

CORPORATE

Luštica Bay’s

A joint venture between Orascom Development Ltd. and the Government of Montenegro

From a new cutting-edge marina to a five-star Chedi hotel, there’s plenty to celebrate at Luštica Bay. The evening of the resort’s grand opening celebrated the Montenegrin and international outlook, with musical and dance performances from around the country and the world. The extravaganza was held on the promenade of the newly finished Marina Village, with the event punctuated by two opening ceremonies marking these major milestones for Luštica Bay 10

AFTER SUMMER DELIGHTS

Spectacular Grand Opening

AFTER SUMMER DELIGHTS

O

n Friday 17th August, the emerging, new resort town of Luštica Bay held an unforgettable event on its shores, with the Grand Opening ceremony – commemorating a monumental milestone with a multimedia audio-visual spectacle and an evening of pure celebration. The evening brought 1,600 guests and residents together to celebrate the official opening of Luštica Bay as a fully operational destination and new Adriatic coastal town. This included the inauguration of its first neighbourhood, the Marina Village, set around the state-ofthe-art marina, and its first hotel, The Chedi Luštica Bay. The extravaganza was held on the promenade of the newly completed Marina Village, in front of the five-star hotel The Chedi. A huge multimedia stage rose above shimmering waters, while the surrounding buildings of the Marina Village were illuminated with a spectacular and colourful light show. The evening celebrated Luštica Bay’s Montenegrin and international outlook, with musical and dance performances from around the country and the world.

Both on stage and mingling through the crowd were a variety of riveting performers, including a marching band, folk dancers, fire-eaters, mythical mountain and sea fairies and eye-catching mirror people. One of the greatest disco bands of all time took to the stage for an unforgettable show, while Operosa Festival’s Electro Opera played a powerful set combining operatic classics with electronic beats. DJ Nick Bridges took the party into the early hours of a warm summer morning, while guests dined and danced.

The performers were joined by a spectacular laser show, which lit up the marina with shimmering colours and luminous shapes and ended with a firework spectacle that captured the evening’s irresistible energy.

The event was punctuated with two opening ceremonies marking these major 11

The Luštica Bay project has so far created 171 new jobs, 77% of those for Montenegrin citizens.

“We are aware and very proud of our role in raising the profile and our contribution, in a very tangible way, to the improvement of these sectors of the Montenegrin economy,” says Luštica Development Executive Director Darren Gibson

milestones for Luštica Bay. Set to be a fully integrated town along the Luštica Peninsula, this 1.1-billion-euro project is the largest tourist-related project in Montenegro. A joint venture between Orascom Development Ltd. and the Government of Montenegro, it will eventually encompass seven hotels, two marinas, an 18-hole golf course, a town centre, 2,000 apartments, family houses and villas, as well as a range of public, leisure and culture facilities. From sustainable infrastructure to environmental preservation and community participation, this project is leading the way in the country’s tourism.

The Chedi Luštica Bay hotel is one of the town’s unique facets, set to the be the largest luxury hotel in the Bay of Kotor. Its official opening saw the last three construction stones symbolically joined by Samih Sawiris, president of the Board of Directors and owner of Orascom Development Holding, Montenegrin Prime Minister Duško Marković and Johan Beerlandt, president of the Board of Directors of the Belgian Besix Group The Marina Village and its new state-ofthe-art Marina were also officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony by Khaled Bichara, CEO of Orascom Development Holding, Milutin Simović, Deputy Prime 12

Minister of Montenegro for Economic Policy and Financial Systems and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Mayor of Tivat Siniša Kusovac.

Delivering a speech to those gathered, Prime Minister Marković congratulated the expansive and cohesive vision of Luštica Bay Development and Orascom Development Holding, recognising their remarkable achievements so far. “The crown of the work to date is the celebration of the opening of

The Chedi Hotel, together with part of this marina that will further position our country on the map of elite nautical tourism in the Mediterranean.”

During his speech, Darren Gibson, executive director of Luštica Development, declared that Luštica is already prepared for new challenges. “Whether it is one of the six planned hotels, our 18-hole championship golf course, hospital, school, the first phase of the Centrale commercial and AFTER SUMMER DELIGHTS

administrative centre of the town that is emerging, ensure that, while we are here tonight, new chapters in the Luštica Bay story are already being written.”

He thanked all those involved in the project, including Luštica residents and employees. The Luštica Bay projects has so far created 171 new jobs, 77% of those for Montenegrin citizens. “I acknowledge the entire Luštica Development team that has worked, devotedly and tirelessly, to reach this milestone moment for the project. The results of the efforts of all those mentioned have led us to a five-star hotel of top quality, as well as to the most modern facilities a marina can offer. Both are significant in the context of tourism and maritime sector development in Montenegro, in terms of quality and economic development, as well as the creation of new jobs in Montenegro.

We are aware and very proud of our role in raising the profile and our contribution, in a very tangible way, to the improvement of these sectors of the Montenegrin economy.”

Employees, residents and guests continued to mingle throughout the night and into the early hours, enjoying the delights on offer and the contagious atmosphere of the event. The enchanting evening not only provided entertainment, but also embodied the spirit of the Luštica Bay project: ambitious, communal, celebratory and, once seen, never forgotten.

“Whether it is one of the six planned hotels, our 18-hole championship golf course, hospital, school, the first phase of the Centrale commercial and administrative centre of the town that is emerging, ensure that, while we are here tonight, new chapters in the Luštica Bay story are already being written.”

AFTER SUMMER DELIGHTS

13

SEPTEMBER – IDEAL FOR HOLIDAYS, BUT ALSO FOR THE START OF NEW BUSINESS CYCLES

Holiday In The Waning

Of Summer Thanks to its more pleasant temperatures, reduced crowds, but also lower prices, people are increasingly opting to take their summer holidays in September.

And while tourists enjoy all the benefits of summer’s twilight, reservations at hotels and hospitality facilities are greatly sought after

I

f you still haven’t taken your annual leave and shorter delays at the borders... it is clear why plan to do so in September or October, there people are increasingly choosing to holiday in are at least five reasons why these months are September, and even October. the most suitable for real rest and relaxation.

Luxury destinations often advertise their That’s especially so for those families that don’t greatest discounts in late summer and early autumn. You can find great September discounts have school-aged children, or for youngsters even for places where you always wanted to whose school days are behind them - these go but were hindered by the exorbitant costs months are an ideal time to go on holiday. of transport and accommodation.

For people who seek peace, flee from While September is already announcing crowds, get irritated that there are no places on autumn, the climatic conditions of this period the beach for their towels, the summer months can lead to the weather being really wondercan be a huge excursion, while the end of the ful. For those who want to escape the heat summer, with autumn on the horizon, offers them everything they need for a proper September is the right time for relaxation break. If we add to and rest. All those who are eager for good all of that the fact times and “craziness” at the seaside have that there is more largely gone home by then, so you’re space on the roads guaranteed the peace and tranquillity you’ve and planes, in hotels been awaiting all year and restaurants, with 14

of summer and relax in moderate and still pleasant temperatures of water and land, September is an ideal time.

Serbia has no sea, but it does have increasingly interesting contents in cities, villages, mountains... which you can enjoy only in September. These are lots of out-of-season activities that will enrich your recollections.

In recent times, July and August, as the hottest months of the year, have ceased to be the only synonyms for summer and sea. Moreover, many people complain at that time about the unpleasant and oppressive heat and crowds that ever increasing, so in popular resorts “it’s as though there's no place for everyone”.

Observing from that perspective, June has already become “full” as standard, while those who holiday during September are full of praise.

On the other hand, those who embark on summer adventures in early or mid-September are said to “profit” the most. Of course, not AFTER SUMMER DELIGHTS

SHERATON HOTEL, NOVI SAD

only financially. Their experiences speak more than figures, and travel agencies claim that this month “goes” first.

September is the right time for relaxation and rest. All those who are eager for good times and “craziness” at the seaside have largely gone home by then, so you’re guaranteed the kind of peace and tranquillity you’ve been awaiting all year.

into close contact. And all water is cleaner when there are fewer bathers. Women most commonly say that it is “a sin to traverse such a distance and not buy anything”.

Many disagree with them, but sometimes envy them. Believe it or not, out of season, right on the seaside, you can do your autumn shopping. Many retail outlets and large shopping centres – if they have them in a certain

have shown that lower temperatures do not necessary mark this period. On the contrary, above-average temperatures marked the years behind us, and the autumn rain that everyone expects have been falling with significantly reduced intensity. In coastal areas, sea temperatures are satisfactory for swimming even a few months out of season, and rain, if it does come, can only come as a refreshment.

Is it not romantic to swim and enjoy the water while fine rain falls?

You can take your summer holidays in any part of the Mediterranean until the end of September without any problems.

Daily temperatures range up to around 27°C during September, while evenings are somewhat fresher. If it's cooler or raining during the day, you can take trips to explore some interesting sights.

If you want to holiday in the immediate neighbourhood, the Adriatic Sea is warm in September, only a few degrees cooler than during July and August. As there are no large crowds, the beaches are cleaner, as is the sea itself.

If you still haven’t taken your annual leave and plan to do so in September or October, there are many reasons why these months are the most suitable for real rest and relaxation ZEPTER HOTEL DRINA, BAJINA BAŠTA

You will feel like that piece of sunshine belongs only to you and that you aren’t sharing it with anyone.

September is also the ideal month for people who have certain health problems, but of course not only for them. It is known that this part of the year favours cardiac patients the most. Less moisture and evaporation is also a welcome factor for those suffering from respiratory problems.

Although the sun is milder in September, this principle should be valid until the end of the whole season. Doctors mostly recommend walks beside the sea, breathing fresh air and swimming in salt water, which is an elixir for many health problems.

Furthermore, most viruses are transmitted on crowded beaches where many people come AFTER SUMMER DELIGHTS

place – will release their autumn collections at the end of August, and do so at considerably reduced prices, as they are aware that they can thus attract plenty of tourists. That’s why you can often hear women boasting of how they bought their boots precisely at the seaside.

The experiences of tourists in recent years

September is an ideal month for city breaks, spa visits, sailing along rivers and visiting cultural and historical monuments. Whichever of these you choose, you won’t be mistaken. In September it is far more pleasant to walk, sail, fish or practice any sporting and recreational activities that you enjoy.

BACK TO BUSINESS

While summer breaks are coming to an end, a new tourist cycle begins – based on business travel. City hotels, in good locations and intended for the world of business, are actually just launching their latest business activities in September and October. After holidays across most parts of Europe in August, business now gets into its new rhythm.

It is therefore no surprise that a fairly large number of hotels have already filled their bookings for this early autumn period. Fairs and congresses are already marked in hotel calendars, along with individual business meetings.

For hotel managers in cities, the business season is just beginning!

15

CORPORATE

B y G. ST O JA KOV I Ć , Tourist Organisation of the City of Novi Sad

Novi Sad, On The Bačka Plains

temporary Art of Vojvodina. Part of Dunavska Street also runs alongside the Danube Park, a monument of nature and protected natural heritage site that began being landscaped at the end of the 19th century.

Novi Sad / Újvidék / Neusatz has existed for three centuries under these names, as an area of the diverse and rich cultural heritage of the many peoples who live there

T

he material and immaterial cultural heritage created over past centuries forms the basis of an interactive network of scientific and cultural institutions, which makes Novi Sad today a place for cultures and different identities to actively encounter one another. The old city centre of Novi Sad comprises the urban area of Liberty Square (Trg slobode), Zmaj Jovina Street and Dunavska (Danube) Street. Trg slobode is dominated by the City Hall and the Roman Catholic Name of Mary Church. The city hall was built in 1894 in the neo-Renaissance style, while the Name of Mary parish church was constructed between 1893 and 1895 in the Neo-Gothic style. Also located on Trg Slobode are the Hotel Vojvodina, the city's oldest working hotel (1854), and the building of Vojvođanska banka (1892), while nearby are the building of the Roman Catholic parish office (1808), the Serbian Orthodox Church of the Assumption of the Virgin (1776) and the Synagogue (1909).

Zmaj Jovina and Dunavska streets are 16

pedestrian walkways criss-crossed by passageways in which there are many shops, restaurants, pastry shops and craft shops. Among the most important buildings in this zone are the Bishop's Court of the Eparchy of Bačka, built in 1901 in the Serbian-Byzantine style.

Alongside the Court itself is the cathedralstyle Serbian Orthodox Church of St. George (1902-1905). In front of the Court is a monument to doctor and poet Jovan Jovanović Zmaj (1833-1904). Dunavska Street starts with the White Lion Building (built in the first half of the 18th century) and the City Library. This street also houses the Collection of Foreign Art, the Museum of Vojvodina and the Museum of Con-

For the youngest visitors, we recommend a visit to the Natural History Collection of the Institute for Nature Conservation. There, among other valuable exhibits and collections, they can see the skull of a woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius).

Info: Matica Srpska Gallery +381 (0)21 48 99 000 www.galerijamaticesrpske.rs; Pavle Beljanski Memorial Collection +381 (0)21 472-99-66 www.pavle-beljanski. museum; Gallery of Fine Arts – Gift Collection of Rajko Mamuzić +381 (0)21 520 223 www.galerijamamuzic.org.rs; Natural History Collection of the Institute for Nature Conservation + 381 (0)21 4896 345 www.pzzp.rs; Serbian National Theatre + 381 (0) 21 520 091 www.snp.org.rs ANOTHER TWO OR THREE HOURS THROUGH GALLERY SPACES Novi Sad is a city of museums and galleries.

In the very centre of the city, on Gallery Square (Trg galerija), there are top gallery displays of national importance. The permanent exhibition of the Gallery of Matica Srpska provides visitors with insight into Serbian artistic creativity from the 18th and 19th centuries, the Pavle Beljanski Memorial Collection preserves and exhibits the most significant works of Serbian and Yugoslav art created between the two world wars. The Gallery of Fine Arts – Gift Collection of Rajko Mamuzić preserves and exhibits works of contemporary Serbian fine arts produced in the post-WWII period. In the evening hours, we recommend you enjoy the opera and ballet performances of the Serbian National Theatre in Novi Sad.

We recommend that you enrich your visit by sampling gastronomic specialities, which include an excellent selection of wines. Restaurants and cafeterias offering domestic and international cuisine are located along the entire stretch of the city centre from Trg slobode to the end of Dunavska Street.

Info: Museum of Vojvodina +381 (0)21 420-566, www.muzejvojvodine.org.rs; Foreign Art Collection +381 (0)21 451-239 www.museumns.rs; Museum of Contemporary Art of Vojvodina +381 (0)21 526 634 http://www.msuv.org AFTER SUMMER DELIGHTS

CORPORATE

The Spirit Of History

LJUBIČEVO EQUESTRIAN GAMES

Požarevac Today

& The Gallop Of Horses With five per cent growth in the number of tourists and overnight stays compared to the same period last year, Požarevac is becoming an increasingly attractive tourist destination. The most visited sites are Viminacium and the Ljubičevo Stables, while there are ever more people interested in the history of the city and its architecture. Požarevac this year commemorates the 300th anniversary of the signing of the Požarevac Peace Treaty, while from 4th to 9th September Viminacium is hosting the triennial World Limes Congress, one of the most important archaeological congresses in Europe. This year also included the staging of the 55th Ljubičevo Equestrian Games 18

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he name of Požarevac was first mentioned in Turkish records dating back to 1467 and is linked to a legend about despot Fiery Dragon Wolf (Vuk Branković), who ruled Slankamen, being attacked by Turkish hero Ali-Bey (an historical figure known by the people as Đerzelez Ali).

The Turkish hero was allegedly wounded in the duel and barely managed to crawl to the fen located between the rivers Morava and Danube.

In order to destroy his enemy, Despot Vuk set fire to the reeds and they burned for days.

The marsh was burned to oblivion along with Ali-Bey. The place was named the burned fen, Požarevac [Požar means wildfire in Serbia].

The second capital city of Prince Miloš in the 19th century, Požarevac is today the seat of the Braničevo District and Braničevo eparchy. Surrounded by the rivers Danube, Morava

VIMINACIUM

and Mlava, it is also known as the home of the oldest stud farm in Serbia, Ljubičevo, the Požarevac Peace Treaty, Viminacium, the District Building, the monument to Prince Miloš, the National Museum, Milena Pavlović-Barili Gallery etc. Požarevac also celebrates its famous former residents, such as Miloš Obrenović, Đura Jakšić, Milena Pavlović-Barilli, Petar Dobrnjac, Serbian Patriarch Dimitrije et al.

LJUBIČEVO STABLES One of the oldest horse farms in Serbia, founded in 1860 by Prince Miloš Obrenović on the estate of the Morava Farm near the Great Morava river, it is situated five kilometres from the city and was created with

“VIMINACIUM FEST – MYTHS OLD AND NEW”

The new theatre festival “Viminacium Fest – myths old and new”, (3rd to 9th September, Kostolac) will take place on the area of the Viminacium Archaeological Park as a competitive event between professional theatres from Serbia and the region.

The festival includes the participation of theatres from Zagreb, Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Belgrade and Novi Sad, which will perform the plays Richard III, The Phoenician, The Odyssey – dream of return, Electra and Hasanaginica.

The finale of the festival, on 9th September, will feature a concert in honour of the winners performed by the Novi Sad Big Band. This theatre festival will take place in the Viminacium amphitheatre. The co-organisers of the event are the Viminacium Archaeological Park, the Požarevac Culture Centre and the local government.

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the aim of improving horsemanship for the best horse races. Prince Miloš’s son Mihailo later named this 300-hectare estate “Ljubičevo”, after his mother, Princess Ljubica.

The Ljubičin residence was erected at Ljubičevo, as well as several stables where the prince kept his horses. During the early 20th century this stud farm grew into an institution at the European level, boasting around 500 horses. It was made famous by champion steeds Ljubičevac, Kastor, Ramoz and Hajdžan.

A monument erected to Ljubičevac, who won the “triple crown” (as an undefeated galloper), is located at the centre of this oasis of peace and tranquility, where numerous walking trails culminate. The activities of the stud farm are connected to the annual Ljubičevo Equestrian Games tourism and sporting event.

MILENA’S HOME FOUNDATION - GALLERY OF PAINTER MILENA PAVLOVIĆ-BARILI The Gallery of Milena Pavlović-Barili is located next to the building of the National Museum in the heart of the city. It is housed in the birth home of the painter, which her mother Danica donated to the City in 1962 and which was subsequently used to establish this memorial gallery. Its exhibition collection includes the majority of her artistic opus. Milena lived and worked during the period between the two world wars. Born 19

back in 1909 as the only child of Danica and Bruno, an Italian composer, she lived between PoĹžarevac and Rome, because her parents were separated, and this had a major impact on Milena herself and her later work.

Guided by a restless spirit, she travelled to Spain, London, Paris, Venice and America, where she died in 1945. Milena was engaged is in the United States as an illustrator of the most respected fashion journals and magazines, including Vogue, Charm and Glamor, as well as a creator of costumes for ballet performances.

Visitors to the gallery can view the permanent exhibition paintings (oils on canvas, watercolours, tempera and pastels), her personal items, furniture and Milena's personal library.

The gallery is not only the biggest meeting place for visual artists, but also tourists,

MILENA PAVLOVIĆ-BARILI, SELFPORTRAIT

NATIONAL MUSEUM

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services sporting a gilded coat of arms, a gift from Miloš Obrenović to Stojan Ribarci – a liberal champion and minister who was born in Požarevac, then items of silver dishes and stained-glass dishes. Public and private presentations include photos in the format of business cards that receive a prominent place in family albums.

VIMINACIUM

ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK VIMINACIUM Viminacium is an archaeological site near Stari Kostolac, 12 km from Požarevac. Built as a Roman military camp in the 1st century AD, it lasted until the beginning of the 7th century. It had tens of thousands of residents, while the camp around which it was built and the city itself where the headquarters of the Legion VII Claudius.

It experienced its ultimate destruction in 441AD, when the Huns razed the area to the ground. It was reconstructed during the time of Justinian I in 535 as a frontier military fort, marking the end of its former existence.

Excavations at the site of the Roman town and legionnaire camp have so far revealed 14,000 graves and discovered 50,000 caskets, a thousand of which are gold.

All artefacts able to be moved – marble

sculptures, tombstones and sarcophagi, jewellery and vessels – are kept in the National Museums in Belgrade and Požarevac.

The special charm of this site cam with the discovery of a mammoth over a million years old, popularly called Vika. Vika the Mammoth is among the oldest specimens in the world (dating back to the prehistoric Miocene period).

The curiosity of this discovery is that its skeleton is preserved at the site, located some 270 metres east of the Viminacium Imperial Mausoleum.

A paleontological park opened there in June 2014. Known as “Mamut Park”, it covers an area of 1,500 square metres and includes an underground cave which houses the skeleton of Vika, found in 2009, and the remains of four other mammoths excavated two years later that are 180,000 years old and have been named Socks, Trbuško, Đomla and Lenka.

who tour this vast collection in large numbers each year. Today this gallery honouring the life and works of Pavlović-Barili organises the Biennial “Light of Milena” event, which is a kind of festival of Serbian painted art.

MUSEUM OF CULTURAL HISTORY The building of the Museum of Cultural History at No.9 Nemanjina Street is a typical example of a house of a rich merchant family.

The urban elite of Požarevac began building expansive and comfortable family homes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, using solid construction materials and beautify the interiors with massive antique furniture, art objects, products, craft activities and domestic and foreign productions, reflecting their prestige, power and grandeur. Antique furniture was purchased in Budapest, Vienna and Belgrade and modelled on the European styles of the time – Biedermeier, historical eclecticism, Altdeutsche etc.

As the most valuable part of the house used as the museum of cultural history, we recommend the ceiling of unknown Viennese masters. There are items from glass AFTER SUMMER DELIGHTS

NATIONAL MUSEUM

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CORPORATE

IVONA BOROJEVIĆ General Manager, Prezident Hotels ***** Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovci

The Guest Always Returns

Quality & Attentiveness The human factor is the most important item, the way in which staff treat the guest and how they address and resolve all their demands and wishes

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am very happy that the new strategy for the development of tourism of Serbia paid special attention to developing tourism beyond Belgrade and Novi Sad, says Ivona Borojević, general manager of Prezident Hotels, speaking in this interview for CorD magazine.

The hotel business has also become a profitable sector in Serbia. Most construction is occurring in Belgrade, but Vojvodina has also proven its competitiveness. Your hotels are in great locations. What needs must be fulfilled to ensure a guest’s return?

- As general manager of the national chain of Prezident Hotels of the highest category, I must admit that the demands and expectations of our guests are very high, which is completely understandable because these are five-star hotels, the service must exceed expectations. I consider the human factor is the most important item, i.e. the way the staff treats the guest and 22

how they address and resolve all their demands and wishes. In accordance with this, we pay special attention to the selection of staff and their training and improvement, because what’s the value of a comfortable bed, top quality kitchen, swimming pool and expensive décor if, for example, the receptionist was impolite and didn’t do their job properly.

Special attention should be paid to the details, for example, if someone returns to the Hotel often, they should receive a bottle of wine, a basket of fruit or, say, a nice birthday card, which serve as a small sign of attention, but very often result in a guest being truly thrilled. Of the basic requirements, which are simply implied, I would highlight a good mattress and bedding, fast internet connection and parking, regardless of the category of the hotel.

hotel, particularly if it is of the highest categories, absolutely meets all the standards and regulations required by those same stars. What is the value of us having a restaurant with excellent food in the hotel if the air conditioning or ventilation in that same restaurant are not installed and functioning properly?

To what extent does the state encourage the development of the hotel industry and tourism; and which measures should be applied to develop tourism faster beyond large cities?

- As vice-president of the Association of Hoteliers of the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Serbia, I must stress that communication between the economy and the state has improved considerably. There is still a lot that needs to be done, but progress is evident. I’m very happy that Serbia’s new strategy for the development of tourism pays special attention to the development of tourism beyond Belgrade and Novi Sad. I would cite the example of Sremski Karlovci, because

The hotel market in Serbia is increasingly competitive. What should be invested in a hotel business to make it profitable?

- In recent times we have witnessed With very little investment, Sremski Karlovci numerous projects could become a serious tourist spot in in the hotel and hosour country, starting from wine tours, pitality industry that gastronomic tourism, cultural values etc are carried out without any kind of plan, ad hoc, without specific and serious market one of our hotels is located in this beautiful analyses in advance. I stand firmly behind the town. I often compare it with Salzburg and point idea that a serious, profitable business requires out that Sremski Karlovci is the heart of Serbia. well determined preparation, i.e., to conduct With very little investment, this could become a adequate analyses, primarily of the market and serious tourist spot in our country, starting with the cost-effectiveness of the investment itself. wine tours, gastronomic tourism, cultural values When we have reached the stage at which it etc. An individual cannot do much to change that, makes sense to begin implementation, then we but when the economy and the state unite, that’s must maximise our efforts to ensure that the a ticket to success.

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Self-Made Women Billionaires

From Scratch To Business Empires In today’s changing economy women are making a mark in fields as diverse as technology, research, investment and entrepreneurship. While many women have successfully taken over their inherited businesses and scaled them, some of them started from scratch to build their own business empires

Zhou Qunfei (48), Founder and CEO, Lens Technology, Hong Kong, $7.8 Billion

Wu Yajun & Family (54), Cofounder-chair, Longfor Properties, China, $7.7 Billion

Chan Laiwa & Family (77), Philanthropist, China, $6.8 Billion

Diane Hendricks (71), Cofounder and Chairman, ABC Supply, US, $5.5 Billion

Lam Wai Ying, Chairman, Biel Smartphone Screens,

Marian Ilitch (85) Entrepreneur, Pizza, Sports team,US, $5.2 Billion

Denise Coates (50), Founder and Joint CEO, Online gambling ,UK, Bet365 $5 Billion

Fan Hongwei (51), Chairman, Hengli Petrochemical, China, $4.1 Billion

Zeng Fangqin (52), Chairman, Lingyi Technology, China, $3.8 Billion

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (64), Founder-chair, Biocon Ltd, India, $3.6 Billion

F

orbes released its list of the world’s billionaires, where a record 2,208 billionaires made the 32nd annual ranking.

This year was particularly positive for women billionaires, who numbered at 256 out of total 2208 entries -an all-time high. Compared to last year their collective net worth was up 20% to surpass $1 trillion.

While most of the richest women featured inherited their fortune, dozens of these women business magnates were self-made. There are 72

self-made women billionaires on the list, up from 56 last year. Forbes Middle East has listed down the top 10 of these self-made women. With four entries Chinese women are leading the top 10 list, followed by two entries each from Hong Kong and the U.S. and one each from the U.K. and India. With a net worth of $7.8 billion, Hong Kong based Zhou Qunfei is the richest self-made woman in the world. Her company Lens Technology makes glass covers for cell phones and serves Apple, Samsung, Nokia, Microsoft and LG among

Hong Kong, $5.4 Billion

other customers. She made her fortune starting a watch lenses manufacturing company and later expanded into glass covers for cell phones.

The richest self-made American Diane Hendricks cofounded ABC Supply, one of the largest wholesale distributors of roofing and windows with her husband in 1982. Forbes calculates her net worth at $5.5 billion. The top 10 self-made women recorded a combined net worth of $54.9 billion.

Here is the list of the top 10 self-made women billionaires.

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My life

Dejan Ilić Ph.D., CEO of a.d. ARRI Group, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Innovation Fund of Serbia, scientist, entrepreneur

NEVER BE A COPY OF YOUR ROLE MODELS

Dejan Ilić Ph.D. is an acknowledged scientist, entrepreneur, and manager of world repute. Hailing from the village of Selevac near Smederevo, in addition to his academic career - at the Belgrade University, then specialisation and doctoral studies in Dresden, a professorship in Graz in 2002, he replaced his volleyball career with world renown for innovation and in top management. He gained his first experiences in industry at VARTA in early 1987, and then his career as a successful innovator and researcher who immediately applies his work in practise continued in 2007 at the ARRI Group, a world leader in the production of equipment for film and television 52

September

By Miroslava Nešić-Bikić

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n Germany he has been proclaimed Manager of the Year, and Innovator and Entrepreneur of the Year, and in 2005 he received a lifetime achievement award from the U.S.-based International Chemists Association for creating the world’s first polymeric microbattery and smart card. He served two terms as German Senator for the Economy in the EU, and much more. Angela Merkel and Steve Jobs both, in their own way, marked the career of this man, who they dubbed “A great Serb - Tesla illuminated the world, while another Serb – Ilić – enabled it to be illuminated without cables and plugs”.

“Luck follows the courageous, and in my development path there were many lucky circumstances that marked my life.

I only realised that much later, when I’d entered my more mature years. My mother, Olga, wanted me to study medicine, while I was far from the idea of delving into any studies. I played volleyball and earned more money than my father and mother combined, both of whom were education professionals. I wouldn’t have studied if at that time there’d been no possibility to enrol in the Faculty of Physical Chemistry without an entrance exam. I studied with Danka Savić, the granddaughter of the fa-

Honecker wanted East Germany to make a better pacemaker than the Americans, who had one that functioned for just five years. I worked on the lithium battery that doubled the lifespan of that device mous Pavel Savić, Bojan Radak, son of the director of the Vinča institute, Tijana Rajf, daughter of renowned lawyer Rajf, and one girl called Jelena who was actually the reason I started studying. This group dragged me forward and I didn’t merely graduate from college, but I graduated before all of them. Grades were not crucial for me, and they also all graduated with 10s.

From this experience and from sport I acquired life lessons that I still convey today to young people: “Choose your company; if I could finish college, you can do so too!”.

That also applies to sport. If you don’t train - you won’t play; if you don’t attend college

- you won’t graduate. If you haven’t tried to do something, you’ll regret it your entire life. It was also at that time that I realised what it means to be responsible towards oneself.

I defended my graduate dissertation at the Vinča Institute - the characterisation of lithium alloys, and it happened that immediately after graduating I was offered the chance to go to Dresden, Germany, for my doctoral studies. I asked where it was twice, because I’d never heard of Dresden.

When I realised that Dresden was in East Germany and informed my parents, they started to cry. My Granddad, who I loved immensely, was the only one who supported me.

I didn’t particularly enjoy Dresden. I didn’t know the language and had various difficulties on a daily basis. However, when they heard that I played volleyball, they immediately included me in the college team, which then competed in the top league.

And if there hadn’t been any volleyball, I would have returned home.

And, again, a factor of luck... I chose a theme for my dissertation that nobody wanted to address – lithium batteries.

It was during one stay in Prague that I met Katarin Witt, then Germany’s most famous figure skater. It was an exciting experience, because the police followed us throughout our entire relationship, and probably continued following me afterwards. Of course, I knew who Katarina Witt was, but I didn’t really know that she was the personal protégé of Erich Honecker, then General Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party and the first man of East Germany.

It was at that time that I registered my first patent, even before my doctoral dissertation and professorship, I received an invitation to head a factory for pacemakers.

Honecker wanted East Germany to outdo the Americans by extending the lifespan of pacemakers from five to ten years. I never asked, but I believe that my relationship, during which they could learn everything about me, was in the background of this incredible offer. This project enabled me to access all of the greatest economic and expert gatherings.

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53

My life

Dejan Ilić Ph.D., CEO of a.d. ARRI Group, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Innovation Fund of Serbia, scientist, entrepreneur

I soon received an invitation from West Germany (then known in the east as the BRD) to go to their side, which I wasn’t really very interested in doing at that moment. However, I was approached at a major symposium by the president of VARTA, who offered me a contract and salary disproportionately higher than the one I was then earning. I went for an interview at VARTA, but without reaching agreement.

Six months later, I received a new offer from VARTA, to go to their factory to see if I would like something ... And so, I went to VARTA. I remember specifically that it was 30th April 1987, and that it was snowing.

My first encounter with Ellwangen, the town where the factory was located, was completely discouraging: a small town, nothing to be seen anywhere, and with snow falling in the middle of spring... They led me to the main factory site, where I was confronted by a scene that I will never forget: everything black, a factory full of sacks of carbonate, dust on all sides, with workers wearing masks on their faces. That shock led to me instantly deciding: here everything is so much in its infancy that no matter what I do it will be a good, new experience. And over the next decade Varta grew to become the most modern factory in Europe, which it remains to this day.

I started working in development from scratch and advanced to the position of head director. There were many misunderstandings there, because they didn’t deviate from their rules. They criticised me for adapting the company to suit my profile, for not optimising the greatest possible profit, for investing and risking a lot with new products. I realised, however, that, despite everything, I had a great opportunity to take everything I thought up in development operations and immediately test that in production and manufacture. Everything was in one place, and that’s a great advantage for every innovator. I worked up to 20 hours per day, because I was driven by the opportunity to implement my ideas in the electronics industry, which had then started developing dynamically.

I toured global achievements in the

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CEO, ARRI COMPANY

I’ve always stuck to the idea – if they won’t follow you strategically, go where they will. And I’ve never signed a contract lasting more than three years, because that gave me freedom. That’s still the case today electronics industry in order to determine the energy demands of new and future components. Taipei was then a hub for the production of electronic components with a chip from the USA. I had a large number of different electro-chemical systems, protected by patents, which I could quickly include in production. And then large orders of millions of units started, which demanded the quick designing of new production machines and high standards of quality.

At that time, 1988, Varta wasn’t doing very well, but I went to the main bosses, among whom was a then an already elderly Herbert Quandt, one of Germany’s most famous industrialists and owners, who among other things owned shares in Varta.

I showed him a battery that was smaller than a metal Deutschmark coin and he wanted to know if I could sell it for one Deutschmark. I answered positively and thus received my first investment.

I later led various sectors of Varta, where I had complete freedom to make decisions. To this day I’ve never signed a contract with a duration exceeding three years, because that gave me creative freedom and less financial security. I have always sought my own expression; I never wanted to be a copy of the best.

And today I advise young people to take the best from everyone, but to create their own mosaic of solutions. If they are only guided by their role models, they’ll never become the greatest, rather only copies of greats. That’s the key thing that propels, elevates and mobilises one to become

By Miroslava Nešić-Bikić

I think the combination of team sports and knowhow is the best. There you either survive or disappear. That’s a fantastic symbiosis and the mobilisation of communal energy

FROM THE OPENING CEREMONY OF VARTA, ANGELA MERKEL (2ND RIGHT)

successful. And we should never repeat mistakes previously made. There are always mistakes in work, but it’s unacceptable to repeat them! When at least 50% of the decisions I make during a year are good ones, I am satisfied! I don’t allow myself, or my co-workers, or even my daughter Olga, to repeat the same mistakes!

Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1997, so we had a meeting at which I showed him a polymer microbattery for the Ipod.

Steve had already begun working on the “NotB” project and in conversation the problem of what would happen when the “NotB” lost electricity arose. Upon returning to Europe, I realised on the plane that it wasn’t enough just to create a new battery, but also to come up with a need for a new battery. Computers were then losing huge amounts of data if one didn’t immediately save. During the flight to Europe we came up with the idea of the Bridging-Battery (which takes over the function of the main battery when it empties). We returned to Cupertino, California, a few weeks later for a new meeting with Steve. It was early

morning and he’d just returned from jogging and while still sweating he said to us: “Guys, talk, I don’t have time; I have a meeting”. As he changed his clothes we introduced him to “bridging batteries”. We immediately received half a million dollars for the tools needed to build components, with Apple receiving absolute exclusivity.

Jobs soon promoted his “indestructible computer” and that represented a genuine revolution in that industry.

I had a small lithium and lithium polymer battery, but I was unable to produce it.

It took me another year to make a production line. This compelled me to also become an engineer, we created automated technology and immediately protected the patent in order to maintain an advantage for at least a year over our much larger competitors from Japan.

I met with Angela MerkeI “as a punishment”. I didn’t graduate in Marxism and Leninism in Dresden, and they sent me to Leipzig, where Merkel was then, in 1984, working in a laboratory for physical chemistry. We later met again officially when she

became Minister of Environmental Protection and Chancellor of Germany.

In order to bring Varta’s production plant back to Germany from Singapore, where the labour force was cheap, the province of Baden Wittenberg gave me several interest-free loans in the millions if I employed 100 people. I went to Berlin to get an interest-free loan from the highest level and there I again met Mrs Merkel, who was then environment minister.

When I opened the factory, I invited Merkel to open the factory and that was her first official public appearance, which also propelled me into the public eye.

Chancellor Merkel still today cites the example of the return of Varta production to Germany.

There is something new in the electronics industry almost every six months, and if you don’t follow that step you lose out on designing in time and with it the market.

When I closed Varta’s factory in Singapore, I dumped all the machines in the sea to ensure the competition wouldn’t copy them.

I recall the small battery for charging with a diameter of 3.6 mm, which we quickly outdid. And today its thickness has reached an unimaginable 0.4 mm.

And when its production started even German newspaper Die Welt (18th March 2006) elevated our interlocutor with the title of “der batteriepapst” [the battery pope]. Its unique chemistry and “thickness” shocked the world, and Ilić received worldwide recognition and became an interlocutor who people were happy to see in the electronics industry. Thus, after becoming the Father of the smart card he became the battery pope.

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55

My life

Dejan Ilić Ph.D., CEO of a.d. ARRI Group, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Innovation Fund of Serbia, scientist, entrepreneur

WITH DAUGHTER OLGA

“ There isn’t an area in which my batteries are not used, and I’m particularly proud of some products in the medical industry.

For instance, there is the miniature battery that is inserted into a capsule smaller than an aspirin tablet (diameter of 3 mm and thickness of 1.6 mm), which is swallowed and provides a complete recording of the intestines.

I’m also filled with pride by batteries for regulating insulin doses, because that was the first battery that doesn’t produce electricity but rather releases pure molecular oxygen. That patent was later bought from me by Coca Cola, in order from it to recycle its cans.

I created a battery for hearing aids that led to me receiving the award for the best foreign product in America. Then President Clinton invited me to go and receive the award, but I didn’t go because Serbia was being bombed at that time.

At the end of last decade, the company INFINION was founded in Bavaria with the intention of becoming the leader in the production of dedicated chips. The idea was to also apply chips in film cameras, which until then were exclusively analogue.

This was a new challenge for me. At that moment I felt as though “I can do it all”, so in 2007 I took on the position of CEO at ARRI and with my team propelled ARRI to become the world’s largest independent company for the production of film cameras for high-budget movies, light sources, scanners and copies for film."

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INNOVATIONSPREISE DER DEUTSCHEN WIRTSCHAFT, THE GERMAN FEDERATION OF INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATIONS, AIF – 2006, FOR THE LITHIUM POLYMER BATTERY GERMAN FEDERAL MINISTRY FOR THE ECONOMY AND SCIENCE

I’ve always strived to be something special, to never and in no way be a copy of the best. And today I advise young people to take the best from everyone, but to create their own mosaic

For ARRI’s lighting achievements in filming the James Bond film Quantum of Solace, Ilić received the 2009 Academy Award for Technical Achievement, as the greatest technical achievement in the film industry that year.

“I must admit that this meant a lot more to my associates than it did to me. For me, no Oscar can replace the open acknowledgement of experts, the competition and opponents. Sometimes when I’m touched by my Selevac pride I just say: a long time will

By Miroslava Nešić-Bikić

pass before some manager wins the top five awards in Germany – and it will take much longer for a foreigner in Germany.”

Some are of the opinion that a successful sportsman is destined to be a successful manager. And there are many such examples. “ The combination of education and physical activity is, in my opinion, the best. Physical motor skills and motility of the mind. And that’s why I think the combination of sports and studying is

the best – especially in team sports. There you either survive or disappear. That’s a fantastic symbiosis, with the mobilisation of communal energy in which you realise that you’re just one screw in an array. And a team only functions well if all screws are working. I’m not saying that you should relinquish your creativity, but rather that you need to subordinate your strength, quality and creativity to the success of the team. Of course, when it’s tough, it’s known who the ball is given to and who settles the match. When it comes to the final decision, it is known whose decision is final. And he must carry all responsibility. And I wanted both of them. When a team wins, the players are the winners, and when a company works well it is the workers who are the winners. When a team loses then it is the coach, or manager, who is to blame. That’s why I must always be ready to assume that unwanted negative responsibility.

I have made risky business decisions countless times. I developed the smart card long ago, but its practical application came after 13 years. The representatives of shareholders wanted to kick me out for investing tens of millions in that project. They asked me to suggest my successor. I found him, but they selected me again. I had intuition, but also the experiences of others. Risk is unpredictable, but I was happy to carry it.

When the profit came, everyone forgot everything.

When I am convinced of something, I don’t quit. I learnt that in sports. When you’re sure you’re winning, you will win. If I hadn’t taken on that risk, very few products would carry my personal signature.

As in sport, in work you also need to know where you’re going and who you’ll take with you. I’ve always said to my people – the train moves slowly if you want to jump aboard, if you don’t want to then jump off while the train’s going slowly. It occurred that my co-workers didn’t always agree with my decisions. Then I did everything myself, working three times as much to justify my decision and achieve profit.

As chairman of the supervisory board of the Innovation Fund of Serbia, I’ve toured the whole of Serbia and I get the

impression that there is no lack of creativity among Serbian entrepreneurs. The problem relates more to inexperience of placements and unfamiliarity with the real needs of existing and potential foreign buyers.

Moreover, there is also a lack of a small bank for economic development (even if it is state-owned) for all those who have good ideas but no initial capital. Apart from that, I don’t understand why we import that which we produce ourselves and/or can do on our own – here I’m referring primarily to information technology.

As in sport, in work you also need to know where you’re going and who you’ll take with you. I’ve always said to my people – the train moves slowly if you want to jump aboard, if you don’t want to then jump off while the train’s going slowly One misconception of Serbia is that we have a cheap workforce. We have a skilled workforce that has an income much lower than in other countries. This potential should be utilised in the best possible way, regardless of whether that’s done by domestic or foreign investors. Because smarts are the best, easiest and most expensive sales. We still haven’t emerged from the socialist way of thinking. Young people are now emerging from this misconception and the revitalisation of the small economy will soon come. Investing in the small economy, in small businesses – that is our future. Much more needs to be invested in education than is the case today, primarily through benefits for future engineers, chemists, physicists and, of course, IT experts, in order for there to be expert personnel in a decade or two.

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CHILL OUT ITALY

Osteria Francescana tops list of World’s 50 Best Restaurants

FRANCE

Massimo Bottura, the chef of Osteria Francescana, may be a big personality with high-profile international projects, but the restaurant remains a small, discrete eatery in the relatively modest Italian town of Modena. It also happens to deliver one of the world’s finest dining experiences, combining nods to tradition with fierce modernity, philosophical conceptions with old-fashioned flavour, warmth with daring.

The kitchen’s creations are heavily influenced by art and music (in particular, jazz), and the dining space comprises three elegant rooms adorned with high-quality contemporary artwork. In its early days, the restaurant almost closed after conservative locals resisted Bottura’s tradition-busting approach to Italian cuisine.

Thankfully, the locally born chef and his American wife, Lara Gilmore, persevered. Now, of course, Bottura is lauded by fellow chefs, critics and diners both closer to home and from across the globe.

France readies itself for the launch of blue wine

Whether you’re a fan of red, white or rosé wine, it’s likely that when you think of high quality wine you think of France. However, will you follow the next French wine trend and say ‘santé’ over a glass of vin bleu?

It might seem unlikely that the French, often considered traditionalists when it comes to all things food-related, would welcome blue wine into their lives and onto their tables.

Vindigo, a Chardonnay wine produced in southern Spain but sold exclusively in France, gets its blue colour as a result of being filtered through red grape skins containing anthocyanins. These pigments are also found in blueberries and raspberries.

René Le Bail, the French businessman responsible for marketing Vindigo, describes the drink as an ideal “summer aperitif”.

EGYPT

New Egypt Mummy Discovery

Archaeologists estimate the 3-meters-long black tomb, discovered near Alexandia, dates back to the Egyptian Ptolemaic period, sometime between 350BC and 30BC. The sarcophagus remained carefully interned in the ground for two millennia and many now claim it should have remained that way.

The black sarcophagus was accidentally unearthed 5 meters underground when clearing out a space for a new building. A discovery of this magnitude is a rarity even in Egypt because most mummy burials have suffered decay and destruction over the centuries.

The Egyptian Ministry of State for Antiquities will now attempt to identify the remains to crack the mystery of the sarcophagus’ occupant.

SERBIA

Nisville, International Jazz Festival The 35th edition of the International Jazz Festival “Nisville 2018” was held from 3rd to 12th August, with the main festival programme running from 9th - 12th August at the Niš Fortress. A record one thousand participants performed 250 programmes on 20 stages and scenes.

Nišville has become the leading and most visited jazz festival in Southeast Europe, with a total of a 100,000 visitors. The Nišville concept has since its inception expanded on “traditional” jazz forms by fusing this genre with the ethnic traditions of various parts of the world, particularly the Balkans.

The most famous jazz magazine in the world, American “Downbeat”, in its extensive overview of the world’s top jazz festivals, singled out the Nišville concept as the best way both to promote jazz, as a genre formed in America, and traditional Balkan music, and to combine these two styles.

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SERBIA

Guča Trumpet Festival 2018

The Dragačevo Trumpet Festival in Guča, western Serbia, is a traditional brass festival known around the globe and unique for its programme, superb performers, competition programme and other events that make the overall offer even more appealing. The event has a rich history dating back to ruler Miloš Obrenović, who formed the military brass orchestra in 1831. This made the trumpet more appealing to a wider audience and it has since been an integral part of folklore and tradition around all parts of Serbia.

Today it is celebrated at this annual trumpet festival (9th-12th August). And itćs no wonder that it’s popular, as the festival brings around a million visitors to this small town with no more than two thousand residents.

JAPAN

Japanese Population Running Short Of Ninjas

A small city in Japan is facing a ninja shortage as the town struggles with depopulation. Iga, located roughly 70 km southwest of Kyoto, is having trouble finding ninjas to perform during its annual festival. The job pays $85,000 a year, according to the report, but the city in central Japan has too few residents to fill the role.

The town of around 91,000 people welcomes nearly 30,000 tourists each year for its annual ninja festival. The town also has a low unemployment rate of 2.5 per cent, making it difficult to find people for the position.

Mayor Sakae Okamota hopes the city does all it can to draw in tourists to Iga, including attracting visitors to its festival and, according to the report, creating a second ninja museum.

GERMANY

Three Days Of Pure Culture

The largest and most high-profile and diverse cultural event of its kind happened in Frankfurt from 24 to 26th August on the river Main. It is the Museumsuferfest and nowhere else can you find such a dense programme that leaves the visitor wanting to be everywhere at the same time.

In honour of the unique Museumsufer, every last weekend in August sees the City of Frankfurt host the Museumsuferfest. One of the largest and most spectacular art and culture festivals in Europe, museums on the north and south banks of the river Main keep their doors open late into the night. A multi-faceted stage programme will satisfy the musical taste of every visitor. It is also tasteful at the food stalls, where culinary specialities from all over the world are offered.

SERBIA

16th Beer Fest

The Belgrade Beer Fest, perhaps the biggest beer festival in Southeast Europe, is visited over the course of its five days by over 500,000 people.

The large number of visitors is mostly due to the festival’s basic principles, which include an exceptional music programme, a wide range of foreign and domestic beer brands, and free entrance.

Over the previous fifteen years, more than eight million visitors have seen more than 600 musical performances and tasted more than 330 beer brands. The most popular brewers, such as Carlsberg, HEINEKEN, Apatin Brewery etc., participated in numerous activities and social campaigns.

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Turkish Oil Wrestling

Efficient Use Of Power And

Body Balance

As Turkey’s national sport, oil wrestling can be traced all the way back to Greco-Roman times. Those who wrestle are highly regarded in the community, and training is mostly done through more wrestling instead of going to the gym. Participants all wear the same leather trousers, and oil themselves prior to the match 60

September

Initially, fights could go on for hours until one of the opponents finally won, so the oiling was used to protect the skin, it also makes it more difficult for the wrestler to get a grip on his opponent.

The trousers are called “kispet” and end below the knee; the aim is to overrule the opponent by pinning them belly up.

Wrestlers (called “Pehlivan” in Turkish) are in a way, actors in a theatre play showcasing their skills of legendary tragedy, ancestral passionate and sheer human force.

To spice up the duel, the fighters are regularly washed up with olive oil by the oiler (Yagci) during their wrestle, which makes the game even more challenging.

Precision, efficient use of power and body balance is more crucial than use of force in this game.

The oil wrestling Master of Ceremonies( the “Cazgir”) who also acts as the referee would also recite the opener at the beginning of the game which would turn the game into an even more enjoyable show. He then would go on to motivate and encourage both wrestlers to dominate each other in the most poetic way.

Following the opener by Master of Ceremony, the wrestlers, totally washed/dipped/sprayed with olive oil, shirtless but in their leather shorts, embark on an ancient dance called “Peshrev” which is an ode to the brotherhood.

Here are the rules of the Turkish oil wrestling.

• Turkish oil wrestling is performed on grass

• The wrestlers are dressed in buffalo leather pants (each pant weighing around 13kgs) • The body of the wrestlers is coated with a mixture of olive oil and water • The match can last up to 45 minutes. If there is no winner it would be extended for another 10 minutes.

• The winner is the one who manages to pin his opponents back on the ground.

Pehlivan, a persian loanword, is used for describing a person with courage and bravery, but at the same time, this term is used for someone who has a solid and honest word.

The warriors who performed heroic missions and sports such as wrestlers, shooters, etc. were called “Pehlivan” in the Seljuk era which was then passed onto the Ottomans.

Turkish people love the sport of oil wrestling

Pehlivan, a persian loanword, is used for describing a person with courage and bravery, but at the same time, this term is used for someone who has a solid and honest word

and the wrestlers would receive a lot of respect.

This respect probably has its roots in the heroic sentiments of the Turkish people. It is important

to note that the wrestlers also receive respect not only for their physical force, developed muscles and apparent healthy but also their good behavior, attitude, generous character and reliability.

At the time of the Ottomans, the matches would be held right outside the palace particularly during fairs, festivals and the royal weddings in the interest of charitable institutions, or in the halls of professional organizers. In some rural areas in Turkey, Turkish oil wrestling competitions are still held before weddings, during religious or traditional festivals.

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Hobbs Delilah

Crafted from a rich cotton blend, the Delilah dress is reinvented for the new season in a stunning floral print. €180

Autumn Is

Coming Choosing what to wear between summer and autumn always creates a dilemma about how to dress adequately. Although we’re already slowly preparing for fresher days, early autumn can also be a very pleasant time, but also surprisingly chilly or rainy. And while we scramble to enjoy the last sunny days, we should be ready for the upcoming autumn surprises.

Here are our recommendations for September – one of the most beautiful, and obstinate, months.

Jolie Moi Chevron Print Tie Collar Maxi Dress

Joules Dachshund Print Rain Poncho

Alice Temperley Women’s Dusty Blue Somerset By Leather Biker Jacket that made from comfortable fabric of quality guarantee. €277

Made from a waterrepellent fabric, the design offers an ample fit that can be worn over all outerwear. €28

The attractive piece can be styled on various not-so-formal occasions as its structured full length gives a polished silhouette, while the contrasting pattern is both vibrant and fashion-forward. €107

Anntoinette Block Heel Court Shoes

Kurt Geiger Daze Bow Trim Lace Up Ankle Boots

Boasting a lace-up design and a coordinated, oversized bow trim, they’re punctuated with a patent toe and heel cap for a contemporary flare. €258

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DKNY Paige Medium Leather Satchel Bag, Summer Blue

Crafted from supple leather, the structured bag features two carry handles and a detachable shoulder strap for handsfree versatility. €270

Set to a mid block heel for a comfortable lift, this shoe features a spacious rounded toe and secures with a cute top strap and button for a vintage feel. €90

Hackett London Blazer

Crafted from a cotton fabric with added stretch for comfort, this style is ideal for eveningwear. €396

Etro Paisley Print Wool-Silk Blend Scarf

Joules Harriman Full Zip Hoodie

Ornately decorated with a detailed paisley print, this scarf’s sumptuous wool-silk blend and supple silhouette can be wrapped several times around the neck in colder temperatures or left to fall loosely over summery codes. €140

Cut to a relaxed fit with a ribbed hem and cuffs, it features a full zip front, drawstring hood, and kangaroo front pockets. €68

Tommy Hilfiger Sporty Jacket

This is ideal for the transitional weather.

It is designed with long sleeves, an adjustable hood, zipped pockets and it is completed with a number of bright components. €215

Gant

Regular Twill Chino Trousers Accented with side pockets and welt pockets at the rear for an added edge, these regular chinos are completed with turned-up hems to lend a modern appeal. €100

Cole Haan Zerøgrand Leather Oxford Shoes

Crafted from leather with laser-cut perforations and an athletic-inspired rubber sole. €240

Reiss Serbelloni Wool Modern Fit Suit

Crafted from pure wool in a modern tailored fit, the single-breasted jacket is fully lined and features a single button front, elegant peak lapels, slanted flap front pockets, a welt breast pocket, four-button cuffs, and two vents to the reverse. €510

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Culture

Bryan Ferry

calendar

Big Band Karaganda (Kazakhstan) Street art exhibition “Travelling Companions” 13 – Belgrade Youth Centre – 20.00 It’s not every day that we have the opportunity to listen to good jazz from countries of the former Soviet Union, although jazz has a long tradition there. It is therefore our special honour to present to our audience for the first time the Big Band from Kazakhstan! In celebration of the jubilee anniversaries of Leonard Bernstein and George Gershwin (100 and 120 years of their births), two great classical musicians from USA who were inspired by jazz music, this renowned band will present a repertoire based on their works.

The concert will be a kind of announcement of the 34th Belgrade Jazz Festival, which will be organized by the Belgrade Youth Centre this year from 25 to 29 October.

7 - Museum of Contemporary Art of Vojvodina - 20.00 The Museum and the French Embassy present exhibition of street art to be held at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Vojvodina in Novi Sad. French and Serbian artists will work together during a creative artistic residence with their art exhibited within the first international collective exhibition of street art in Serbia.

7 – Štark Arena – 20.00 Bryan Ferry is one of the most innovative and influential singers and songwriters in pop music history, with an original vocal brilliance of breathtaking elegance. From his earliest recordings with his group Roxy, at the beginning of the 1970s, Bryan Ferry highlighted it as a unique musical phenomenon, and in his long career, he released 15 albums, many of them achieved platinum circulation. Charmer to all generations, Ferry will perform classic hits from his solo repertoire and discography of the group “Roxy Music” on September 7th, including “Let’s Stick Together”, “Slave to Love”, “Don’t Stop The Dance”, “Kiss and Tell”, “Love Is The Drug”, “These Foolish Things”, “Price of Love”, “I Put a Spell on You” and many others. Bryan Ferry inspired a series of bands of a new wave and new romanticism, including Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, Spandau Ballet, The Human League, and the Band, inspired by their appearance, stylish originality, sophisticated lyrics and music based on a nostalgic attitude towards the old rock’n’roll era the second. Tickets at Štark Arena box office and Billet Centers, Eventim and online at www.starkarena.co.rs.

2CELLOS

7 – Kalemegdan Fortress – 20.00 Everything began six years ago, when Luka Šulić and Stjepan Hauser played Michael Jackson’s hit “Smooth Criminal” on their cellos, recorded a video, posted it on their YouTube channel and, in less than three months, collected more than five million views! That same year saw them sign a contract with Sony Masterworks and release their first album, which includes their version of “Smooth Criminal” and which has gone on to become one of the world’s best-selling albums. They have amassed a dream career over the last five years! They have performed more than 1,000 concerts with more than 10 million visitors!

Concert for Babies

5 - Belgrade Philharmonic Hall – 11.00 Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra’s first concert of the season 18/19 will be for babies up to two years old. The first concert of this kind, philharmonic orchestra will perform on Wednesday, September 5th, at 11 am in the Belgrade Philharmonic Hall.

The Philharmonic aims to bring babies into the magical world of

Exhibition “Roman Limes and Cities in Serbia”

También la lluvia (Even the Rain)

2 – KC GRAD – 20.00 Kosta and Sebastian are working together on an ambitious project to be filmed in Bolivia. The story they want to screen deals with the arrival of the Spaniards in America, but they cannot even imagine that in Bolivia, where they plan to set the film version of the city of Santo Domingo, they will face a series of challenges that will shake the entire film project to the core. Projection with Serbian sub-titles. Free entry. Limited number of places. The projection has been organised by the Cervantes institute, the Spanish embassy and the cultural centre GRAD.

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until 10 September – SANU Gallery The exhibition “Roman Limes and Cities in Serbia” at the Gallery of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts offers visitors exhibits from all over Serbia from the period of Roman rule in the Balkans from the first to the fifth century. The exhibition features pottery, clothes and weapons used by Roman legions in defending the empire’s borders, the provinces of Upper Mezia and Lower Pannonia, whose centres were Viminacium (Kostolac), Singidunum (Belgrade) and Sirmium (Sremska Mitrovica). Visitors can also see pictures of the Limes, Roman Military Borders with settlements and fortifications, made by local artists under the supervision of archaeologists, with explanations in English and Serbian.

You are invited to visit the exhibition and learn about life in Roman settlements along the military border of the empire on the territory of today’s Serbia.

music through the most beautiful children’s lullabies in the world, specially arranged for the orchestra.

During the 30 minutes concert, the orchestra together with the conductor Aleksandar Kojić will perform the Lullaby Symphony.

The following concerts are scheduled for January and April. Since the number of seats is limited, free tickets can be downloaded at the Philharmonic Hall (Studentski trg 11), from Monday, September 3, from 9am to 4pm.

52nd BITEF

16th International Comics Festival

27-30 – Student Cultural Centre (SKC) International Comics Festival is an event organised and led by Belgrade’s Student Cultural Center (SKC) Happy Gallery. The Festival is the biggest comics event in Serbia, and one of the most important in Southeastern Europe. Festival is based on the open international competition for authors of all ages, presentations of the most important comic authors worldwide.

13-22 – various locations The fifty-second Bitef will be held in Belgrade this year from 13 to 22 September. During the ten days of the festival, the audience will have the opportunity to see ten theatre productions from ten countries.

For the third time in a row, festival selectors remain faithful to their intention to map and announce some of the most important thematic or aesthetic characteristics of the selection at the Festival Prologue. Thus, last year, the audience could see in the Prologue the six-hour show Quizoola, from the British theatre company Forced Entertainment, and became acquainted with the main aesthetic line of the 51st Bitef − long-lasting shows.

This year, the Prologue will announce the central theme of the 52nd Bitef − an increase in the influence of totalitarian ideologies around the world − through a play dealing directly with Nazism. It is a co-production of the Slovenian Youth Theatre and the Šiška Centre for Urban Culture of Slovenia − Odilo. Dimming. Oratorio, directed by Dragan Živadinov, one of the most important figures of the Slovenian art scene in the 1980s.

Bitef has the traditional support of sponsors such as Secretariat for Culture of the City of Belgrade and the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Serbia. The Festival is supported by the embassies of Germany, Israel, Switzerland, as well as the Goethe-Institut Belgrade and the French Institute in Serbia.

Program: https://festival.bitef.rs

RECOMMENDS

THE NEIGHBOR: THREE INQUIRIES IN POLITICAL THEOLOGY, WITH A NEW PREFACE Slavoj Zizek 3465rsd

In “The Neighbor”, three of the most significant intellectuals working in psychoanalysis and critical theory collaborate to show how the problem of neighbour-love opens questions that are fundamental to ethical inquiry and suggest a new theological configuration of political theory. Their three extended essays explore today’s central historical problem: the persistence of the theological in the political. In “Toward a Political Theology of the Neighbor,” Kenneth Reinhard supplements Carl Schmitt’s political theology of the enemy and friend with a political theology of the neighbour based in psychoanalysis. In “Miracles Happen,” Eric L. Santner extends the book’s exploration of neighbour love through a bracing reassessment of Benjamin and Rosenzweig.

MEDIEVAL EUROPE

Chris Wickham 1813rsd

Femi Kuti & Macedonian Philharmonic Orchestra

13 – Kalemegdan Fortress – 20.00 The Macedonian Philharmonic Orchestra will hold a concert with renowned Nigerian jazz musician Femi Kuti and his band “Positive Force” at the Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Fortress. Kao predgrupa će nastupiti beogradski sastav Igor Vince & His Drum, Brass And Keys (Srb, Cub, Bra). Femi Kuti was born in London and raised in Lagos, and is the eldest son of afrobeat pioneer Fela Kutis. Femi’s musical career started when he began playing in his father’s band, Egypt 80. Lateron, Femi started his own band “Positive Force”, and began establishing himself as an artist independent of his father’s massive legacy.

57th October Salon: The Wonder Of Cacophony

September 15 - October 28 The concept of the 57th October Salon (September 15-28, 2018) is based on the fact that the western perception of contemporary art has become universal and that “cacophony” has been a denominator of different artistic directions since the beginning of the 21st century.

Through the exhibition “The Miracle of Cacophony”, artistic production in the world is being explored; are considering different artistic scenes of different generations. Such a structured exhibition will represent “installation as a mirror of the world,” as a multifaceted cacophony-rich situation. In contrast to the pejorative phenomena, the “Miracle of Cacophony” should be seen as a favourable situation, from which a new type of energy is created, with which dissonant and even conflicting ideas and expressions can be transmitted.

Venues: KCB Galleries (Podroom, Art, Artget), Gallery of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SANU), the building of the City Museum of Belgrade (Resavska 40b), U10 Gallery, Remont Gallery.

SEE MORE: WWW.CORDMAGAZINE.COM

Texas

29 – Sports Hall Novi Beograd – 20.30 Texas are a Scottish alternative rock band from Glasgow, Scotland. They will give their first concert in Serbia on 29 September at the Ranko Žeravica Sports Hall!

A spirited and thought-provoking history of the vast changes that transformed Europe during the 1,000-year span of the Middle Ages The millennium between the breakup of the western Roman Empire and the Reformation was a long and hugely transformative period-one not easily chronicled within the scope of a few hundred pages. Distinguished historian Chris Wickham has taken up the challenge in this landmark book, and he succeeds in producing the most riveting account of medieval Europe in a generation. Tracking the entire sweep of the Middle Ages across Europe, Wickham focuses on important changes century by century, including such pivotal crises and moments as the fall of the western Roman Empire, Charlemagne’s reforms, the feudal revolution, the challenge of heresy, the destruction of the Byzantine Empire, the rebuilding of late medieval states, and the appalling devastation of the Black Death.

CRITICAL ESSAYS: SITUATIONS 1 Jean-Paul Sartre 2803rsd

The popular Scots will give a fulllength performance in Belgrade where they will perform their biggest hits - from “Summer Son”, “I Don’t Want A Lover”, “Say What You Want”, “Inner Smile” , “Black Eyed Boy” to “In Demand” and “In Our Lifetime”.

Critical Essays (Situations I) contains essays on literature and philosophy from a highly formative period of French philosopher and leading existentialist Jean-Paul Sartre’s life, the years between 1938 and 1946. This period is particularly interesting because it is before Sartre published the magnum opus that would solidify his name as a philosopher, Being and Nothingness. Instead, during this time Sartre was emerging as one of France’s most promising young novelists and playwrights he had already published Nausea, The Age of Reason, The Flies, and No Exit. Not content, however, he was meanwhile consciously attempting to revive the form of the essay via detailed examinations of writers who were to become central to European cultural life in the immediate after65 math of WorldSeptember War II.

AFTER WORK 26 EMBASSY OF INDONESIA JUL HOSTS BATIK FASHION SHOW Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia H.E. Harry R.J Kandou and Mrs Miabella Kandou hosted the Batik Fashion Show at the Metropol Palac Hotel, giving the opportunity to the members of the diplomatic corps and members of the Belgrade public life to enjoy the outstanding craftsmanship of up-and-coming designers from Indonesia. The guests also enjoyed Indonesian music and dance.

AMBASSADOR HARRY KANDOU

31 NEW TELEKOM PLATFORM INTRODUCED JUL Prime Minister Ana Brnabić attended the opening of a new platform based on LoRa WAN technology at Telekom Srbija.

The platform enables the connection and interaction of a large number of different devices and sensors. PM Brnabić said that this was a big step forward in digitising the country, adding that the system that was designed would enable the domestic company to sell its solutions worldwide, which would facilitate its breakthrough to foreign markets.

She pointed out that this project, done in cooperation with the private company Bitgear, has three huge successes, the first being that Telekom once again demonstrated the extent to which it is moving forward in relation to other telecommunication companies in the region and how much it is trying to increase its value. The Prime Minister added that the second success is that Telekom is one of the few state companies that identified the problems that domestic companies have in trying to find a technological solution. And lastly, the platform is all “Made in Serbia”. General Manager of Telekom Srbija Predrag Ćulibrk said that more than 1,000 sensors have been installed in Belgrade and added that the new system would save a lot of money.

PREDRAG ĆULIBRK, PM ANA BRNABIĆ AND MARKO ČADEŽ

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SEE MORE: WWW.CORDMAGAZINE.COM

12 AUG MAIN CELEBRATION OF “DUŽIJANCA” HELD The Association of Bunjevac Croats “Dužijanca” organised at the City Square in Subotica the main ceremony for the celebration of the 108th Dužijanca, which marks a new harvest every year.

The ceremony began with the blessings of this year’s holders of the harvest festivities, Marko Križanović and Marija Pijuković, in the church of Saint Roko, after which the ceremonial procession walked from the cathedral of Saint Teresa of Avila to Liberty Square, led by numerous cultural and artistic societies from the city and the region.

AMBASSADOR AMR ALJOWAILY

13 THE AMBASSADOR OF EGYPT AUG HOST YOUTH FOLKLORE BALLET The embassy of Egypt in Belgrade, headed

by Ambassador H.E. Amr Aljowaily, hosted a performance by the Children & Youth Folkloric Troupe. The performance by the troupe “Kythara Institute For Music” from Egypt was held at the Children’s Cultural Centre in Belgrade.

AMBASSADOR JUNICHI MARUYAMA AND NEBOJŠA STEFANOVIĆ

In front of many guests, they handed over to the mayor Bogdan Laban bread made of new flour. After presenting it, as per custom, to all four sides of the world, the mayor said that the Dužijanca is a way to get to know the identity of Subotica, which is a proud home for all its citizens.

Source: Subotica.com

17 GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN PROVIDES AUG DONATION WORTH €1.5 MILLION Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Serbia H.E. Junichi Maruyama and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia and Interior Minister Nebojša Stefanović attended the ceremonial handover of the donation from the Government of Japan to the Sector for Emergency Situations of the MUP of Serbia. The value of the Government of Japan’s donation amounts to approximately 1.5 million euros.

Deputy Prime Minister thanked Ambassador and the Government of Japan for the continued support, adding that the government of Japan has so far assisted in the improvement of emergency operations worth more than €8.7 million.

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AFTER WORK 17 AUG SARAJEVO FILM FESTIVAL CLOSES The official part of the 24th Sarajevo Film Festival ended with the award ceremony, held at the National Theatre Sarajevo. The last day of the festival, 17th August, the audience had a chance to see all the awarded films at special screenings.

The best feature film was Aga, the latest achievement by Bulgarian film-maker Milko Lazarov, a four-member jury chaired by Iranian artist Asghar Farhadi announced.

The SFF was founded in the 1990s while the city was still under the siege has grown into an internationally renowned festival of the region.

The 24th edition of SFF hosted more than 2,600 accredited visitors; it screened 266 films from 56 countries and, according to the organiser, over 100,000 guests saw the screenings.

21 EMBASSY OF EGYPT AUG LECTURE AND ART WORKSHOP Embassy of Egypt in Serbia and the Museum of the African Art organised a lecture and an art workshop by famed artist Mohamad Soudy.

The Museum of African Art in Belgrade has the pleasure to host Mohamad Soudi, a ceramist from Egypt, who offered a lecture on the traditional techniques of creating Egyptian thenet, as well as an opportunity for visitors to take part a ceramics and glazing workshop.

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AMBASSADOR HARRY KANDOU AND MRS KANDOU

17 FLAG CEREMONY AUG AT THE INDONESIAN EMBASSY The Indonesian Embassy in Belgrade held a flag ceremony to commemorate the 73rd Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia.

The flag ceremony was part of a series of events arranged by the Embassy to commemorate the independence day of Indonesia. Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Serbia, H.E. Harry Richard James Kandou, and Embassy staff welcomed Indonesian citizens and friends of Indonesia to the ceremony held on the premises of the embassy.

22 THE INTERNATIONAL AUG SLAVIC CONGRESS HELD At the Faculty of Philology in Belgrade, the 16th International Congress of Slavs was held, which gathered more than a thousand participants from 43 countries.

The congresses, which gathers Slavs from around the world, is held every five years.

This year’s congress had 1,674 presentations, and the participants took part in the sections, themed blocks, roundtables and the first time with poster-reports.

The organisers of the event are the International Committee of Slavs, the Association of Slavic Societies of Serbia, the Faculty of Philology of the University of

SEE MORE: WWW.CORDMAGAZINE.COM

AMBASSADOR KATI CSABA WITH CANADIAN WATER POLO TEAM

25 AMBASSADOR KATI CSABA WELCOMES AUG YOUTH WOMEN’S WATER POLO TEAM On the 110th anniversary and the official inauguration of the Water Polo World League (FINA), 4th FINA World Women’s Youth Water Polo Championships was held in Belgrade from 27th August – 2nd September.

With the participation of world’s best youth teams, composed of players of 18 years-old and under, this occasion is a landmark in the promotion of the oldest Olympic team sport.

Embassy of Canada in Belgrade, led by Ambassador H.E. Kati Csaba, gave a warm welcome and hosted a cocktail at the ambassadorial residence in honour of the Canadian team competing in the championship.

FLAG HOISTING CEREMONY

Belgrade and the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SANU). The Congress was held under the auspices of the President of Serbia and the patronage of the city of Belgrade. The opening was attended by Minister of Education, Science and Technological Development of Serbia Mladen Šarčević, Minister of Culture and Information Vladan Vukosavljević, President of the Academy of Sciences of Serbia Vladimir Kostić, representatives of religious communities and diplomatic corps, numerous scientists and distinguished officials.

AMBASSADOR KATI CSABA

MINISTER VLADAN VUKOSAVLJEVIĆ

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AFTER WORK

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27 BELGRADE HOSTS AUG THE BEST U.S. SCIENTISTS For the first time in Serbia and the region, an international “USA-Serbia & Western Balkan Data Science Workshop” was held. The workshop held in Belgrade on 26-28 August, gathered the most prominent scientists from Serbia and the United States.

During the three days, Belgrade hosted nearly 600 scientists, professors from prestigious world faculties, and the best students from the world in the fields of data science, but also bioinformatics and archaeology.

US Ambassador H.E. Kyle Scott expressed hope that the workshop “USA-Serbia & Western Balkan Data Science Workshop” will contribute to even more intense cooperation and new partnerships in the field. According to him, the Belgrade gathering reduces the distance between peoples and states and continues the construction of scientific collaborations.

Serbia’s Minister of Education, Science and Technological Development Mladen Šarčević said that the US and Serbia governments signed an agreement on scientific and technological cooperation in 2010, which is now actively maintaining the present day.

AMBASSADOR KYLE SCOTT

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AMBASSADOR DENIS KEEFE AND MIHAILO JOVANOVIĆ, DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND E-GOVERNMENT

28 BRITISH GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS AUG SERBIA’S DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Mihailo Jovanović, director of the Office for Information Technologies and eGovernment and H.E. Denis Keefe, British Ambassador to Serbia, presented “Digital Transformation in Serbia” project, funded by the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Government of the United Kingdom through the Good Governance Fund, and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme-UNDP. The Government of the Republic of Serbia participates in the project with more than 3.2 million EUR, while the Government of the United Kingdom has donated 2.1 million EUR for the improvement of e-Government in Serbia.

The ‘Digital Transformation in Serbia’ project was one of the first to be initiated by the Office for Information Technologies and e-Government last year, with the aim of developing e-government and IT entrepreneurship in Serbia. The results of this project are already reflected in the implementation of two rounds of IT re-trainings for 800 participants.